Fresh details have emerged from the meeting between Mohsin Naqvi and Pakistan’s national hockey players, revealing that the PCB chairman will temporarily look into hockey matters to steer the sport out of its ongoing crisis.
Sources said Naqvi assured players that the national team will be sent to compete in the upcoming Hockey World Cup qualifiers.
During the meeting, Naqvi told players that he would temporarily oversee all hockey-related issues. Sources quoted him as saying that the immediate priority is to stabilize the situation and ensure the team’s smooth participation in international events.
However, a spokesperson for the Pakistan Cricket Board clarified that Naqvi has no intention of formally taking over responsibility for the Pakistan Hockey Federation.
No restriction on captain Ammad Butt
Sources also confirmed that there is no restriction on national hockey team captain Ammad Shakeel Butt. The assurance comes amid recent speculation about leadership changes within the team setup.
Naqvi reportedly made it clear that team stability is essential ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.
Also Read: Naqvi meets hockey team, clarifies no ban on captain Ammad Butt
According to sources present at the meeting, Naqvi indicated that no former player or Olympian will be made part of the federation structure during this transitional phase.
The focus, he stressed, would remain on streamlining administration and supporting players.
Players term meeting pleasant, productive
Speaking after the meeting, Ammad Butt described the interaction as pleasant. He said Mohsin Naqvi assured the team that he would look into hockey matters and support them during this challenging period.
Ammad further confirmed that Naqvi handed over cheques of Rs1 million each, fulfilling his earlier announcement made after the Nations Cup.
Butt also revealed that players have suggested appointing Roelant Oltmans as the team’s coach. He added that PCB will continue to look into hockey matters temporarily to ensure preparations for the World Cup qualifiers remain on track.
With assurances of financial support, administrative backing, and participation in the World Cup qualifiers, the national hockey team now turns its focus back to the field.
