Chaos in Pakistan Hockey: Leadership Crisis Sparks Resignations and Bans

Pakistan hockey faces turmoil as federation President Tariq Bugti resigns following management failures during an Australian tour. He imposed a two-year ban on team captain Ammad Shakeel Butt for criticizing the federation. Players demand leadership changes, citing mismanagement and unpaid allowances by the Pakistan Sports Board.

The Pakistan hockey crisis escalated dramatically as federation President Tariq Bugti resigned on Thursday, citing mismanagement during a tour in Australia. His resignation follows a controversial decision to ban captain Ammad Shakeel Butt for two years, after Butt vocally criticized the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF).

Bugti's departure letter has been submitted to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the federation's patron-in-chief. He urged both the Prime Minister and Field Marshal Asim Munir to launch a thorough investigation into the events that unfolded during the FIH Pro League in Australia, where logistical failures left the team stranded.

The crisis quickly spiraled, with players, led by Butt, demanding changes in team management and PHF leadership. They reported unpaid allowances and being forced into menial tasks due to administrative negligence. Meanwhile, head coach Tahir Zaman expressed willingness to resign, blaming player indiscipline for further aggravating the team's performance woes.

(With inputs from agencies.)