PHF president Tariq Bugti resigns amid administrative issues

Tariq Bugti, president of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), resigned on Thursday following a series of administrative issues during the recent Australia tour. At a press conference in Lahore, he cited mismanagement by the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) as the primary factor behind his decision.

Bugti highlighted that PHF did not receive sufficient funds to properly manage the team’s trip. Hotel bookings were delayed because PSB payments for this crucial aspect of logistics had been held up, creating significant logistical challenges for the players. He stated, “The prime minister had allocated Rs250 million for hockey but these funds remained with the PSB, which failed to allocate matters efficiently.”

This led to a two-month delay in receiving hotel payments during their stay in Australia, a situation that was deemed unacceptable by Bugti and his team.

“The prime minister had allocated Rs250 million for hockey,” Bugti added. “However, these funds were held up with the PSB, which failed to manage things efficiently.”

Bugti also mentioned that he requested a committee comprising the prime minister, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti to investigate the mismanagement incidents during their Australia tour.

This resignation comes after Bugti imposed a two-year suspension on Amjad Butt, the captain of the PHF team. The move follows allegations of misconduct and mental harassment leveled against the captain by Butt following their return from the tour.

Despite these controversies, Bugti pointed out significant achievements made by the PHF over the last six years, such as the federation’s return to the Pro League and an improvement in Pakistan’s world ranking—from 18th to 13th. He acknowledged Field Marshal Asim Munir for his promotion of hockey and thanked Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti for supporting the national team.

The recent Australia tour had already sparked criticism over planning and coordination, reigniting longstanding concerns about governance within Pakistan’s hockey administration.

Bugti’s resignation reflects growing frustrations among administrators regarding funding, infrastructure, and organizational challenges faced by the national team.