Ad-Hoc President Takes Charge Amidst Resignation and Allegations
In a swift move signaling a new direction, Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, the newly appointed ad-hoc president of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), has lifted the controversial ban on national team captain Ammad Shakeel Butt. This decision comes hours after Wani assumed charge, following the resignation of PHF President Tariq Bugti, which was accepted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif with immediate effect.
A Cascade of Controversy and Resignation
The federation has been embroiled in crisis since videos surfaced on social media showing the national team living in substandard accommodation during their recent FIH Pro League tour of Australia. Captain Ammad Shakeel Butt leveled serious allegations of mismanagement and mental harassment against the team management and PHF officials.
In a press conference before his resignation, outgoing President Tariq Bugti blamed the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) for the debacle, accusing it of failing to release funds on time for travel and logistics, which he claimed led to unpaid hotel bills and major difficulties for players. He also announced a two-year ban on Captain Butt, accusing him of threatening players and running a campaign against the federation.
New Chief Prioritizes World Cup Qualifiers and Merit
Addressing the media after taking charge, Ad-Hoc President Mohyuddin Wani emphasized the urgency of preparing for the upcoming World Cup qualifying round. “There is very little time left,” Wani stated, announcing that a training camp would begin immediately.
He outlined his immediate priorities:
- Lifting the ban on Captain Ammad Shakeel Butt to focus on team unity.
- Restoring player confidence and reconstituting team management.
- Improving coaching, training systems, and institutional coordination.
- Ensuring all decisions are based on “transparency and merit.”
Wani urged players to concentrate solely on training and matches, assuring them that the federation would handle all administrative matters.
PCB Chairman Steps In with Support
In a related development demonstrating the cross-sport concern over the hockey team’s plight, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi met with the national hockey players in Lahore. Naqvi promised to address their grievances regarding alleged mistreatment during the Australia tour and pledged PCB’s support ahead of the World Cup Qualifier in Egypt.
He directed officials to make immediate arrangements for air tickets, kits, and accommodation and ordered a training camp to be established. Naqvi also distributed cheques of Rs. 1 million each to players for a recent tournament finish. However, he clarified on social media platform X that he has “no ambitions to lead the PHF,” but would assist players “till this turmoil ends.”
A Federation in Transition
The Prime Minister, who is the Patron-in-Chief of the PHF, has taken notice of the mismanagement within the federation. With an ad-hoc committee now at the helm, the focus shifts to short-term crisis management and long-term revival plans for Pakistani hockey, which has been rocked by financial disputes, administrative failures, and public scandal.
