Pakistan Hockey Federation president resigns, blames sports board for Pro League mismanagement

Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) president Tariq Hussain Bugti announced his resignation on Thursday, citing mismanagement by the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) in handling funds for international tournaments, particularly the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Pro League.

He stated that his resignation has already been submitted to the prime minister.

Blaming the sports board for the crisis, he said funds allocated for the Pro League were released to the PSB but were not managed properly, resulting in logistical problems during tours of Argentina and Australia.

Bugti maintained that the federation had shared schedules of the tours in advance and that financial control rested with the PSB.

“After seven years, Pakistan hockey finally got a chance to play in the Pro League, but due to lack of funds, we struggled to meet obligations,” he said, adding that he personally paid $3,720 to clear outstanding hotel dues in Argentina.

He also called for an independent inquiry, stating that the committee formed by the PSB had acted as “judge and jury”.

Referring to internal matters, he alleged that the team captain had pressured players by showing them messages from influential figures, after which the federation imposed a two-year ban on Ammad Shakeel Butt.