The inquiry committee constituted after the dismal performance of the Pakistan hockey team in the Asia Cup has prepared its report without questioning any official or player. After this, questions have also been raised on the report of the three-member committee headed by Olympic player Kalimullah. Besides Kalimullah, the committee also includes Olympian Nasir Ali and hockey administrator Zaheer Shah.
He waited for three days for the team officials and the captain to appear before him, but none of them came due to various reasons. According to a source, Khawaja Junaid, who was the team’s manager in the Asia Cup, had resigned from his post a few days ago and distanced himself from the entire episode.
The head coach did not even get a visa to return to Pakistan – Head coach Seyfried Ekman has not yet got a visa to return to Pakistan. Aikman returned to his home country after the tournament in Malaysia. Pakistan captain Umar Buta also did not appear before the committee citing family issues.
After the team failed to qualify for the World Cup, the investigative committee prepared its report based on match videos, media reports and feedback from the head coach and submitted it to the Pakistan Hockey Federation. Pakistan finished fifth in this tournament. The team failed to qualify for the World Cup.
Manager Junaid and team officials were held responsible – the situation has only gotten worse since then. After the Asia Cup, many experienced players have also threatened to leave the team due to financial reasons. The source said the committee, which submitted its report to the Pakistan Hockey Federation, has blamed manager Junaid and other team officials for the poor performance.