PHF Acting President Mohyuddin Wani interacts with youth at an event in Islamabad. Photo: archive
ISLAMABAD:
Just a day after a two-year ban was imposed on national hockey team captain Ammad Butt, Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) acting president Mohyuddin Wani on Friday announced that the suspension had been lifted, signaling a change in tone as the federation attempts to stabilize itself following the recent turmoil.
The ban, imposed by PHF chief Tariq Bugti, drew swift criticism. Bugti resigned after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered an investigation into the team’s tour of Australia, where players were left struggling to find accommodation in Hobart and were forced to cook their own meals and wash dishes in a guesthouse after the federation failed to fund a suitable hotel.
Butt had been at the forefront of the backlash, publicly criticizing the PHF for the conditions players endured and for months of delayed subsidies.
With Wani now in charge on an interim basis, the federation appears to be turning the page. “I am hopeful for the revival and strengthening of hockey,” Wani said, adding that players should focus exclusively on training and matches.
The IPC federal secretary echoed this sentiment and announced that the management of the federation would be reorganized from scratch. Wani also confirmed that elections will be held for new permanent leadership, prioritizing transparency and fairness in all decisions.
“All institutions are aligned for the revival of the national sport,” Wani said, noting that better governance and partnerships with the private sector would ensure better financial support for players.
Meanwhile, the subcommittee of the Interprovincial Coordination Standing Committee of the National Assembly also took strict note of the problems faced by the national hockey team on Friday and announced that it will request detailed information.
In a meeting held in Parliament under his leadership, Meharin Razzaq Bhutto said that what had happened to the national team was unfortunate.
“Our hearts beat for hockey as well as for cricket. The committee will examine who is truly responsible for this incompetence. We seem determined to destroy our own sports,” he said.
The meeting was attended by PHF acting president Mohyuddin Wani, Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) director general and committee members.
