Tariq Bugti resigns as PHF president after Australia tour row

2026-02-19 - 08:33

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Hockey Federation President Tariq Bugti has resigned from his post after Australia tour row. Bugti has submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and mentioned many factors behind his decision to step down as the PHF president. He expressed the gratitude for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for giving him a chance to serve for two years, and for Field Marshal [Syed Asim Munir] for continued support. Tariq Bugti has declared the Pakistan Sports Board as responsible for mismanagement during recent Australia tour. “I went to seek money from the PSB for the hockey players and they told me that it would take two months,” said Tariq Bugti, adding that the prime minister had released Rs250 million for the hockey players but the board did not provide them funds. He said that the PSB is responsible for the mismanagement. Bugti insisted on accountability, urging both the prime minister and the field marshal to form a high-level committee to problem what he said “priviledge indiscipline” and bring the responsible to justice. However, PHF imposed two-year ban on Ammad Butt, the national hockey team captain. On other hand, some reports emerged that the inquiry has been completed about the mismanagment during Australia tour, the hockey federation was held responsible for the said issue in the inquiry report. PM orders probe as PSB, PHF trade blame over Pro League mismanagement in Australia An administrative row between the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) and the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has surfaced following reports of mismanagement during the national team’s participation in the second leg of the FIH Pro League in Hobart, Australia. The controversy has drawn the attention of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has ordered an immediate inquiry into the matter. The Pakistan team arrived back in Lahore late Tuesday after a disappointing tour in which they failed to register a single win against Germany and Australia across both legs of the competition. Concerns were raised in media circles about shortcomings in logistical arrangements, particularly regarding accommodation in Hobart. R The reports suggested that delays in payments and booking complications caused inconvenience to players and affected their preparations during the tour. PHF President Tariq Hussain Bugti stated that financial and administrative responsibilities for the tour, including hotel reservations, travel expenses, daily allowances and visa arrangements, were assigned to the PSB in accordance with directives of the Senate Standing Committee on Sports. He said the federation had complied with those instructions and had not interfered in financial matters, adding that its primary objective remained the team’s participation in a major international event. In response, a senior PSB official, Rana Nasrullah, said adequate funds had been provided to the team management, claiming that players were given foreign exchange for expenses. He questioned how accommodation issues could arise if financial resources were available and also pointed to reports that players had to manage their own meals due to the absence of a proper catering setup. Bugti said a detailed report would be compiled after the team’s return and internal review. Both the PHF and PSB have expressed support for the prime minister’s decision to launch an investigation. Rana Sanaullah has formed an inquiry committee to examine the allegations. He termed the situation serious and said accountability would be ensured if negligence is established. Sources said that some payments related to accommodation during the first leg of the Pro League in Argentina are still pending. It is worth noting that earlier, amid concerns over the federation’s financial management, the prime minister had approved a special grant of Rs250 million to facilitate Pakistan’s participation in the Pro League, with the PSB tasked with overseeing financial disbursements. Officials familiar with the matter claimed that although hotel bookings were initially arranged, payment complications led to adjustments in accommodation, including shared rooms and guest house arrangements, which did not meet players’ expectations. However, Pakistan captain Emmad Butt had earlier dismissed reports suggesting that the team was left without lodging. In addition, the players reportedly expressed dissatisfaction over the daily allowance provided for the tour, stating it was lower than the amount mentioned in PHF regulations. The Prime Minister’s Office said Shehbaz Sharif had taken notice of the reported shortcomings and directed that a thorough inquiry be conducted, with strict action to follow against those found responsible. While the investigation has been initiated, the details regarding the composition of the inquiry committee have not yet been disclosed.