LAHORE: Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) President Tariq Bugti announced his resignation and imposed a two-year ban on national team captain Amad Butt following the circulation of videos showing the mistreatment of players during the Australia tour.
The ban bars Butt from participating in any domestic or international hockey competitions during this period.
At a press conference in Lahore, Bugti said he had submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and accepted full responsibility for the issues faced by the federation.
Bugti criticized the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) for failing to provide timely funds for hotel bookings during the Australia tour, which left the PHF unable to manage the team properly.
He said multiple requests for funds were ignored, and payments were delayed by over two months.
He also urged the formation of a committee by the Prime Minister and Field Marshal Asim Munir to investigate the mishandling of the Pro League and hold responsible officials accountable.
Despite the controversies, Bugti highlighted the national team’s achievements, noting that Pakistan’s world ranking had improved from 18th to 13th and the team had successfully entered the Pro League after six years.
Prime Minister’s advisor Rana Sanaullah confirmed that an inquiry had been conducted by the PSB into the matter.
