PTI

Karachi, Jul 27: Pakistan's humiliating 9-2 defeat to Holland in Champions Trophy hockey has evoked scathing criticism in the media with one paper linking the thrashing to a wild beach party enjoyed by the "indisciplined" players on the eve of the match.

"Instead of resting in their team hotel and preparing for the match by focusing on the Dutch, senior Pakistan players spent the day swimming and enjoying on a Barcelona beach," a report in mass circulation 'Jang' newspaper said.

"As a result, the players were drained, tired and focusless," it said.

Three-time Champions Trophy winners Pakistan conceded the first of the nine goals in the 38th second before suffering their worst defeat in the tournament's history on Tuesday.

The drubbing ended Pakistan's hopes of reaching the final of the tournament, being staged at Terrassa, Spain, and left them struggling to avoid relegation.

"The attitute of (goalkpeeper) Salman Akbar was embarrassing and unsporting when he threw his gloves in the wash basin and then kicked the door of the locker room after he was replaced after the first half (in which he conceded four goals)," the newspaper commented.