The players have had more than their opponents to fight against in the ongoing Champions Trophy hockey event in Lahore.
The newly laid turf of the National Stadium has become the talking point after two of the six elite teams participating voiced their concerns about the slippery surface.
The players have had difficulty in coming to terms with the turf which was re-laid only weeks before and the sight of their frequent slipping and falling during play has led to injury scares too.
Some coaches said all the troubles faced by the players could have been avoided had the pitch been laid well in advance.
"It's a brand new pitch and so it's a bit slippery. Though it's not unusual, it's restricting the movement of players as there is always danger getting injured," Germany coach Bernhard Peters said.