The interim president overturns the suspension of the national captain; promises restructured management, election for new management
Pakistan’s hockey team players celebrate after scoring during their emphatic 7-2 win over Malaysia in the Sultan of Johor Cup match in Johor Bahru on Saturday. Photo: X
ISLAMABAD:
Just a day after a two-year ban was slapped on national hockey team captain Ammad Butt, Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) interim president Mohyuddin Wani announced on Friday that the suspension had been lifted – signaling a change in tone as the federation moves to stabilize itself after recent turbulence.
The ban, imposed with the resignation of PHF chief Tariq Bugti, had drawn swift criticism. Bugti resigned after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered an inquiry into the team’s tour of Australia, where players were left scrambling for accommodation in Hobart and forced to cook their own meals and wash dishes in a guest house after the federation failed to fund a proper hotel.
Read: PSB rejects Hockey Association allegations about Pro League tournament funding
Butt had spearheaded the backlash, publicly criticizing the PHF for the conditions the players endured and for months of delayed quotas. With Wani now at the helm on an interim basis, the federation seems to be turning the page. “I am hopeful for the revival and strengthening of hockey,” Wani said, adding that the players should focus solely on training and matches.
The IPC’s union secretary echoed the sentiment and announced that the union’s leadership would be reorganized from scratch. Wani also confirmed that elections would be held for new permanent leadership, with transparency and fairness prioritized in all decisions.
Read more: Mohsin Naqvi meets national hockey team, assures support ’till the turmoil ends’ after Australia’s failure
“All institutions are bent on reviving the national sport,” Wani said, noting that improved governance and partnerships with the private sector would ensure better financial support for players. He further added that “the greatness of hockey must be restored.”
