Pakistan's men's hockey team secured a spot in the FIH Nations Cup final after a thrilling 3-2 penalty shootout victory against France on June 20, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur. However, the team's captain, Ammad Butt, stirred controversy with a social media post that has since gone viral. Butt shared an Instagram story with the words "Rafael down again," which many interpreted as a dig at India, alluding to previous military conflicts involving French-made Rafale jets. The post was quickly deleted, but screenshots spread rapidly, sparking debate among fans and observers.
Butt's post overshadowed Pakistan's on-field performance. The match against France was a hard-fought contest, with France taking an early lead. Pakistan mounted a comeback, with Waheed Ashraf scoring twice. Ultimately, the game went to a penalty shootout, where Pakistan's goalkeeper Muneeb ur Rehman saved three attempts, securing the win. Pakistan is now set to face New Zealand in the final.
The social media post ignited a firestorm, blending sports triumph with political and military tensions. Users from both India and Pakistan weighed in, amplifying the already strained relations between the two nations. While some celebrated Butt's perceived jab at India, others criticized him for bringing political matters into sports.
Prior to the semifinal victory, Butt voiced his frustration regarding the lack of financial support for the Pakistan hockey team. He revealed that the players had not received their daily allowances during the FIH Nations Cup, despite reaching the semi-finals. Butt questioned the state of hockey in Pakistan, contrasting it with the attention and investment lavished on cricket. He appealed to the government, businesses, and citizens to support the revival of hockey, Pakistan's national sport.
Butt also congratulated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for their contributions to the team's success. He requested prayers from the nation for the final match against New Zealand, seeking to dedicate the victory to Pakistan and qualify for the Pro League.
Meanwhile, India's men's hockey team is facing challenges in the FIH Pro League. They suffered a 3-6 loss to Belgium, marking their seventh consecutive defeat. Despite goals from Dilpreet Singh, Mandeep Singh, and Amit Rohidas, defensive lapses proved costly for India. Their hopes for World Cup qualification are now at risk after a disappointing European campaign.
Ammad Butt’s actions have shifted focus from his team's performance to social media controversy, highlighting the complex relationship between sports, politics, and national pride in the region. As Pakistan prepares for the FIH Nations Cup final against New Zealand on June 22, 2025, the team hopes to secure their first major title in years, aiming for a spot in the FIH Pro League. However, the online debate sparked by Butt's post adds an extra layer of intensity to the upcoming match. Ultimately, New Zealand defeated Pakistan in the final by a crushing score of 6-2.
