‘Shameful and painful’: Why Pakistan’s national hockey team was left stranded on Australian streets

However, the situation took an unexpected turn when the delegation reached the hotel.

“But when they reached Canberra last week, they found no bookings for them at the designated hotel. The team’s head coach, Tahir Zaman, faced problems getting in touch with PSB and PHF officials back home because of the time difference,” the source added.

“Tahir messaged them about the awkward situation the players were facing and had no place to stay and rest after a long journey from Lahore,” he said.

The incident is being widely discussed on social media, prompting a deluge of reactions.

Pakistan’s National Hockey Team players yesterday landed in Australia’s Capital, Canberra, after a very long journey from Lahore, which takes almost a day.

On landing, they went to the 4 star hotel which they were supposed to check into. However the management of the hotel said… pic.twitter.com/6k7PNLBrov

— Khalid Baig (@KhalidBaig85) February 14, 2026

“The real issue isn’t the players, it’s the system behind them,” a user wrote. “That is so shameful and painful too. Hockey brought so much respect for Pak in the past but we didn’t reciprocate it. Our hockey players need and deserve more facilities, more financial support and more respect. We need to revive hockey before it comes to a complete collapse,” another user commented.

“Tragic. Such maestros they were, in my growing up years. Stick wizards,” a third user reacted.

After waiting outside the hotel for several hours, the management was eventually persuaded to allocate rooms to the contingent.

Before departure for Canberra, the Pakistan Sports Board had raised the players’ daily allowances to USD 115 each. “Some local Pakistani people were contacted in Canberra who came to their rescue at the hotel after players spent time on the roads,” PTI added.