The Pakistan Hockey Federation is facing major turmoil. President Tariq Bugti resigned from his position on Wednesday. He confirmed that he sent his resignation to Patron-in-Chief Shahbaz Sharif. The announcement came during a press conference in Lahore.
However, before stepping down, Bugti made another significant decision. He imposed a two-year ban on national team captain Ammad Shakeel Butt.
Two-Year Ban on Ammad Butt
Bugti declared that Butt would remain ineligible for domestic and international hockey during the suspension. As a result, the national team will require new leadership ahead of upcoming competitions.
The decision followed strong criticism from Butt regarding the team’s management during the Australia tour. Earlier, the captain had publicly expressed frustration over poor arrangements.
He claimed players did not receive proper hotel accommodation or quality food. Moreover, he stated that on some occasions, players had to cook meals and wash their own clothes. Consequently, tensions within the federation escalated.
Australia Tour Sparks Controversy
The controversy emerged during Pakistan’s participation in the Pro Hockey League in Australia. Bugti held the Pakistan Sports Board responsible for administrative failures.
He explained that the prime minister had approved Rs250 million for the federation. However, funds allocated for the Pro Hockey League went to the Sports Board. According to Bugti, the board failed to release the money in time.
Therefore, hotel bookings in Australia faced delays. Bugti stated that he personally requested fund release. Nevertheless, officials allegedly informed him that the process would take two months.
He further accused the board of mismanaging allocated resources. Consequently, the team suffered logistical challenges during the tour.
Call for Investigation and Structural Reform
Bugti revealed that he requested the prime minister and the Field Marshal to form an inquiry committee. The committee would investigate the alleged mismanagement during the Pro Hockey League.
Additionally, he stressed the need for institutional independence. He argued that the hockey federation should operate like the cricket board. In other words, it should generate its own resources without external interference.
Such autonomy, he suggested, would prevent future financial bottlenecks.
Impact on Pakistan Hockey’s Future
The crisis has raised concerns about Pakistan’s preparation for upcoming international events. Butt had warned that competing in World Cup qualifiers would be difficult under current conditions.
Meanwhile, the federation must address internal disputes and restore stability. Leadership changes and administrative reforms may shape the sport’s direction in the coming months.
In conclusion, the PHF president’s resignation and the captain’s suspension mark a critical turning point. The coming weeks will determine whether reforms follow or challenges deepen further.
