‘Pakistan’s dignity will not be allowed to be compromised’: Mohsin Naqvi steps in after Hockey fiasco | Cricket News

New Delhi: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has stepped in to support the Pakistan hockey team after they faced a major controversy during their tour of Australia. The issue started when hockey players accused the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) of not giving them proper support while participating in the 2025-26 International Hockey Federation Hockey Professional League.

The players claimed no hotel was booked for them in Australia so they had to spend hours on the streets. They also said they had to cook and clean their own dishes while staying at the Airbnb. The situation has sparked outrage in Pakistan and raised serious questions about the way the team is being managed.Following the allegations, PHF chairman Tariq Bugti submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. However, he also banned team captain Ahmad Shakil Butt for two years, which angered many players and fans.Amid the chaos, Mohsin Naqvi stood up for the hockey player. Naqvi is the Interior Minister of Pakistan and Chairman of the Central Committee of Pakistan. He said Pakistan Cricket will help the hockey team in every possible way.“We will facilitate hockey players in every possible way. We will provide full cooperation to simplify matters in hockey,” Naqvi said.He also told the players to just focus on their game and not worry about management issues. “You should just focus on the game. Pakistan’s honor comes first. We will not allow the country’s dignity to be compromised under any circumstances,” Naqvi told a meeting.Naqvi later clarified on social media that he would not be taking over the hockey federation but would help during the crisis. “I will not become president of the Hockey Federation, but we will assist the players until this turmoil is over,” he wrote on X.The PCB has also reportedly provided financial support to ice hockey players. According to reports, each national team player received assistance of PKR 1 million.Captain Amad Shakir Butt later said his suspension would be revoked. He also said that the PCB will help organize a training camp in Lahore to prepare for the upcoming Hockey World Cup qualifiers.