Interim president revokes suspension of national captain; promises restructured management and elections for new leadership
Pakistan hockey team players celebrate after scoring during their emphatic 7-2 victory over Malaysia in the Johor Sultan Cup match in Johor Bahru on Saturday. Photo:
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 after the resignation of 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 forced to find accommodation in Hobart and cook their own meals and wash dishes in a guesthouse after the federation failed to fund a suitable hotel.
Read: PSB rejects hockey federation’s accusations over funding of Pro League tour
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 would be held for new permanent leadership, prioritizing transparency and fairness in all decisions.
Read more: Mohsin Naqvi meets with national hockey team and assures his support ‘until the turmoil ends’ after Australia fiasco
“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. He further added that “the greatness of hockey will have to be restored.”
