PHF Interim President Mohyuddin Wani interacts with youth at an event in Islamabad. Photo: file
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, which was introduced by PHF chief Tariq Bugti, quickly drew 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.
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, prioritizing transparency and fairness in all decisions.
“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.
Meanwhile, the sub-committee of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Inter-Provincial Coordination also took careful note of the problems facing the national hockey team on Friday and announced that it will seek a detailed briefing.
Speaking at a meeting at Parliament House during her convocation, Meharin Razzaq Bhutto said what had happened to the national team was unfortunate.
“Our hearts beat for hockey as they do for cricket. The committee will review who is really responsible for this incompetence. We seem determined to destroy our own sport,” she said.
The meeting was attended by PHF Interim President Mohyuddin Wani, the Director General of Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) and committee members.
