PHF President Bugti steps down after Australia tour debacle, bans captain Butt for two years

Pakistan Hockey Federation President Tariq Bugti has stepped down from his post, blaming the Pakistan Sports Board for administrative failures and delayed funding that, he claims, disrupted the national team’s recent tour of Australia.

Speaking to the media in Lahore today, Bugti said the federation does not have the financial capacity to independently cover international travel and logistical costs, including those linked to Pakistan’s participation in the FIH Pro League.

According to Bugti, the PSB was instructed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to release funds in a timely manner, but those instructions were not followed. He said the delay caused serious operational issues for the team during the Australia leg of the tour.

Bugti alleged that payments for hotel accommodations were not cleared on time, creating avoidable difficulties for players and officials. He added that despite personally approaching PSB officials to expedite the process, he was told the release of funds could take as long as two months.

The outgoing PHF chief has now called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir to constitute an independent committee to probe the matter and establish responsibility.

In addition, Bugti announced a two-year ban on Pakistan captain Ammad Shakeel Butt, accusing him of intimidating teammates and leading a campaign against the federation. He maintained that disciplinary action against the captain had already been approved a day earlier over alleged misconduct.

The controversy stems from Pakistan’s participation in the FIH Pro League in Australia, where players say they were forced to endure humiliating conditions due to mismanagement by the PHF and team officials.

Reports from the tour detailed that hotel bookings in Sydney and Hobart were mishandled — leaving the squad stranded and staying in substandard guest houses instead of promised five-star hotels, and in some cases having to cook their own meals and wash their clothes.

Upon returning to Lahore, captain Ammad Shakeel Butt openly criticized the federation and team management, stating that the players could not continue under the current administration and urging authorities to act ahead of crucial World Cup qualifiers next month.