Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) President Tariq Bugti is addressing a press convention in Lahore on February 19, 2026. —Screenshot by way of Geo NewsPHF lacked funds to cowl tour bills for Professional League: Bugti.Bugti claims PSF ‘failed’ to launch lodge funds on time.Inquiry committee holds PHF “responsible,” say sources.
Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) President Tariq Bugti has resigned from his place, accusing the Pakistan Sports activities Board (PSB) of mismanagement and failing to offer funds in time for the nationwide staff’s tour of Australia.
Addressing a press convention, Bugti stated the federation lacked enough monetary sources to independently meet journey and logistical bills associated to the staff’s participation within the FIH Professional League.
He stated that, on the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the PSB was required to launch the required funds on time. Nonetheless, in line with Bugti, the board failed to take action, inflicting severe difficulties for the nationwide hockey staff, notably through the Australia tour.
Bugti alleged that the PSB didn’t launch funds for lodge bookings in Australia on time, leading to main logistical issues for gamers and officers. He added that he personally visited the PSB workplace to request the instant launch of funds however was knowledgeable that the method may take as much as two months.
He appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Military Employees Asim Munir to kind a committee to research the matter and decide the details.
Bugti additionally introduced a two-year ban on Pakistan captain Ammad Shakeel Butt, accusing him of threatening fellow gamers and working a marketing campaign towards the federation’s administration.
He clarified that the PHF had determined a day earlier to provoke disciplinary proceedings towards Butt over misconduct.
‘Inquiry committee completes probe’
Adviser to the Prime Minister on Inter-Provincial Coordination Rana Sanaullah stated {that a} three-member inquiry committee fashioned by the PSB has accomplished its investigation and submitted its report back to the prime minister.
Based on sources accustomed to the event, the inquiry committee has held the PHF accountable in its findings.
Australia go to chaos
The controversy erupted after movies circulated on social media displaying Pakistan nationwide hockey staff gamers residing in substandard lodging throughout their latest tour of Australia.
PM Shehbaz took discover of the matter, resulting in the formation of an inquiry committee to research the matter.
Crew captain Ammad Shakeel Butt additionally made severe allegations of mismanagement and psychological harassment towards the staff administration and the PHF.
Chatting with the media upon arriving at Lahore airport on Wednesday, Butt confirmed that the troubling stories from Australia have been correct, saying that gamers have been subjected to circumstances no skilled athlete ought to face.
He revealed that gamers have been made to carry out menial duties, together with cleansing kitchens, washing dishes, laundering their very own garments, and scrubbing washrooms earlier than heading to the sector for coaching and matches.
