The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has decided to impose a two-year ban on national hockey team captain Imad Shakeel Butt for violating rules and regulations, sources confirmed.
The development comes amid a major administrative crisis, as PHF President Tariq Hussain Bugti announced his resignation over the issue of poor accommodation provided to the national team during its Australia tour.
The disciplinary action has been taken over alleged violations of federation rules and regulations.
Sources further revealed that the PHF president and secretary have demanded the removal of the Pakistan Sports Board and the chief financial officer (CFO). The federation has blamed the PSB for financial mismanagement linked to the team’s tour.
Tariq Bugti announces resignation
Addressing a news conference in Lahore, Tariq Hussain Bugti announced his resignation from the post of PHF president. He stated that he resigned on the orders of the prime minister.
Bugti held the Pakistan Sports Board fully responsible for the mismanagement that led to poor accommodation arrangements for the national hockey team in Australia.
Funding dispute with Board
Bugti said the PSB had funds available for the Pro Hockey League but failed to release payments required for the national team. He revealed that several contacts were made with the Pakistan Sports Board, but payments were not made despite repeated efforts.
Calling for accountability, Bugti urged institutions to conduct investigations to determine responsibility for the negligence.
Amid the crisis, sources said a proposal to appoint an ad hoc committee for the Pakistan Hockey Federation is under consideration. There is also a proposal to appoint an influential person as the head of the ad hoc committee.
Bugti expressed hope that the federation would soon stand on its own feet and that a new hockey board is expected to be formed in the near future.
