LAHORE, Sept 23: Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) on Saturday barred all team officials and players from giving press statement over World Cup debacle in Germany.

"Unless the written report is not received by president PHF from the manager of the team and other officials, it is in the better interest of hockey that no press statements will be issued by any player or official," a PHF press release issued by the federation said.

Pakistan finished sixth position in the World Cup held in Germany this month.

On Thursday, team captain Mohammad Saqlain issued a press statement, holding coach Shahnaz Sheikh responsible for the debacle.

In reply chief selector Khalid Mahmood gave a press statement on Friday, saying under the code of conduct neither player nor official could criticize any member of the squad publicly.