The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has been plunged into a leadership crisis following the resignation of President Tariq Hussain Bugti on Thursday, February 19, 2026. His departure comes after a disastrous and winless FIH Pro League campaign in Hobart, Australia, where players alleged they were subjected to “mental torture” and severe logistical neglect.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has accepted the resignation and appointed Mohiyuddin Ahmed Wani (Federal Secretary for Inter-Provincial Coordination) as the ad-hoc President of the PHF to oversee a six-week restructuring plan.
The Hobart Fiasco: Allegations vs. Counter-Claims
The resignation was triggered by a public revolt led by national captain Ammad Shakeel Butt, who described the Australia tour as a “nightmare” for the athletes.
| The Players’ Allegations | PHF/PSB Defense |
| No Accommodation: Players were stranded at airports and later evicted from hotels due to unpaid bills. | PHF: Blames the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) for not releasing funds on time. |
| Menial Tasks: Captain Butt claimed players had to “wash dishes and clean toilets” in substandard guest houses before matches. | PSB: Claims it released Rs 36.8 million for travel and hotel, but PHF failed to confirm bookings. |
| Financial Distress: Players were reportedly told to manage all nutrition on a meager $115 budget for the entire tour. | PSB: Accuses PHF of visa mismanagement, causing late departures and massive cancellation fees. |
لاہور۔چیئرمین پاکستان کرکٹ بورڈ محسن نقوی سے قومی ہاکی ٹیم کے کھلاڑیوں کی ملاقات
ہاکی کھلاڑیوں نے پرو ہاکی لیگ کے دوران پیش آنے والے ناخوشگوار واقعات بارے آگاہ کیا
چیئرمین پی سی بی محسن نقوی کا ہاکی پلئیرز کے ساتھ ناروا سلوک پر افسوس کا اظہار
ہاکی پلئیرز کو ہر طرح اکاموڈیٹ… pic.twitter.com/EHNk8nrqCc
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) February 19, 2026
Resignations and Bans
- The Ban: Before resigning, Tariq Bugti imposed a two-year ban on Captain Ammad Shakeel Butt for “misconduct” and speaking to the media.
- Leadership Vacuum: Along with Bugti, PHF General Secretary Rana Mujahid and Treasurer Shahid Pervaiz Bhindara have also resigned.
- Ad-hoc Appointment: Mohiyuddin Ahmed Wani has taken charge. He has promised to run the federation on “professional grounds” and prepare a business plan within six weeks to ensure financial transparency.
I am not becoming Hockey Federation President but we will Assist players till this turmoil ends
— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) February 19, 2026
Mohsin Naqvi Steps In
In a separate move to stabilize the situation, Interior Minister (and PCB Chairman) Mohsin Naqvi met with the dejected hockey players on Thursday:
- Emergency Funding: Naqvi handed over cheques of Rs 1 million each to the players as a reward for their previous runner-up finish in the Nations Cup.
- Medical Support: He directed the PCB to immediately take over the treatment of injured players, including star forward Hannan Shahid.
- Logistics for Egypt: Naqvi has ordered that the PCB/PSB handle all tickets, kits, and high-standard hotel arrangements for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers in Egypt.
- Clarification: Naqvi explicitly stated on X (formerly Twitter) that he is not becoming the PHF President but will assist until the “turmoil ends.”
What’s Next?
- Training Camp: A fresh training camp for the Egypt qualifiers begins today (Friday, Feb 20) in Lahore.
- Inquiry: A high-level committee constituted by Federal Minister Rana Sanaullah is currently investigating the financial trail of the Rs 250 million allocated by the PM for hockey.
- Foreign Coach: Naqvi has hinted at bringing back Roelant Oltmans to provide the team with professional technical guidance.
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