PM Shehbaz removes national hockey team management following player mistreatment in Australia

2026-02-18 - 10:43

ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has decided to sack the Pakistan Hockey Federation management over mistreatment with players during recently concluded Australia tour. The development comes after the Pakistan Sports Board director general presented an inquiry report to the premier after the players alleged that they were provided poor accommodation and food facilities during the tour. Reports said Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) President Tariq Bugti, Head Coach Tahir Zaman and others have been removed. A video had emerged from the tour, showing the players enduring inadequate facilities. Team captain Amad Butt expressed his dissatisfaction upon returning home, stating that the team was provided with substandard accommodation. He added that players had to wash their own dishes and clothes during the stay. Amad Butt also refused to continue working with the current management, urging the PHF to take immediate action, especially with the World Cup qualifiers fast approaching. The matter caught the attention of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who also took notice of the mistreatment.