After Pro League setbacks, PHF chief Tariq Bugti steps down, demands independent probe

Lahore (Web Desk): Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) president Tariq Hussain Bugti announced his resignation on Thursday, pointing to what he described as severe mismanagement by the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) in handling funds for international tournaments, particularly the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Pro League.

Speaking to reporters in Lahore, Bugti said that his resignation had already been submitted to the prime minister. He placed the blame squarely on the PSB, explaining that although the board had received the funds allocated for the Pro League, they were mishandled, creating logistical headaches during Pakistan’s tours of Argentina and Australia.

Bugti emphasized that the federation had shared tour schedules ahead of time, but financial authority remained with the PSB.

“After seven long years, Pakistan hockey finally got an opportunity to compete in the Pro League, yet we struggled to meet our commitments due to lack of funds,” he said, revealing that he personally paid $3,720 to settle outstanding hotel bills in Argentina.

He also called for an impartial investigation, criticizing a PSB-appointed committee for acting as both “judge and jury.”

Bugti further raised concerns over internal team dynamics, alleging that the team captain had pressured players by showing messages from influential figures, which later led to the federation imposing a two-year ban on Ammad Shakeel Butt.

On the topic of finances, Bugti noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had allocated Rs250 million for hockey, which was released to the PSB. “Despite this allocation, the federation faced serious logistical challenges during overseas tours,” he added.

He concluded by asserting that resignation alone would not address the situation. “Pakistan’s reputation has been damaged, and accountability is essential,” he stated.

Tariq Bugti said that he “requested the Prime Minister and the Field Marshal to form a committee to investigate this matter, and that whoever is responsible for this disorder should be punished.”

Bugti’s departure comes amid a public spat between the PHF and the PSB over alleged mismanagement during the national team’s participation in the second leg of the FIH Pro League in Hobart, Australia. The Green Shirts returned to Lahore without a single victory, suffering defeats against Germany and Australia.

The PHF maintains that logistical and financial responsibilities fell to the PSB under Senate committee directives, while a PSB official countered that adequate funds had been provided and questioned the federation’s handling of the arrangements.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took notice of the incident and directed an immediate inquiry.

Meanwhile, PM’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah informed that PSB's three-member committee has completed its inquiry into the matter which has now been submitted to the Prime Minister’s Office.

According to sources, the inquiry report holds the PHF responsible for several financial irregularities.