PHF President Tariq Bugti resigns, imposes two-year ban on hockey captain Ammad Butt

Tariq Bugti urges the prime minister and field marshal to form a committee to investigate the matter of Australia tour mismanagement, and hold those responsible for organizational lapses, particularly in the Pro League, accountable

LAHORE: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-Feb 19^th, 2026) Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) President Tariq Bugti resigned from his post on Wednesday and announced a two-year ban on national hockey team captain Ammad Butt.

Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Tariq Bugti said he had submitted his resignation to the Prime Minister and confirmed that Captain Ammad Butt would not be allowed to participate in any domestic or international matches during the two-year ban.

Commenting on the recent mismanagement during Pakistan’s tour of Australia, Bugti urged the Prime Minister and the Field Marshal to form a committee to investigate the matter and hold those responsible for organizational lapses, particularly in the Pro League, accountable.

He highlighted funding and administrative issues, stating that the Pakistan sports board (PSB) delayed payments for hotel bookings, which created difficulties for the team. “The Hockey Federation did not have sufficient funds to manage all arrangements during the tour,” he said. Bugti added that he personally approached the PSB for funds, but they indicated it would take two months to release the money.

Bugti also praised the team’s recent performance, noting that Pakistan’s world ranking had improved from 18th to 13th.

“Rana Mujahid has submitted the full schedule to the Sports Board, and we are confident the team will perform well in the qualifying rounds. I thank the Field Marshal for his support and the Prime Minister for giving me two years to serve. The Prime Minister also allocated Rs250 million for hockey, which was released on time,” he said.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister’s advisor Rana Sanaullah stated that the Pakistan Sports Board has completed its inquiry. A three-member committee submitted its report to the Prime Minister’s Office, which reportedly highlighted multiple financial irregularities and held the PHF responsible for mismanagement.

The developments come amid growing scrutiny over administrative lapses during Pakistan’s overseas tours and the management of funds allocated for hockey.