ISLAMABAD: Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, Secretary Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) and newly appointed ad-hoc president of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), has announced the lifting of the ban on national team captain Ammad Shakeel Butt amid controversy surrounding the team’s visit to Australia.
Wani assumed charge after being appointed as the ad hoc president following the resignation of the sitting President Tariq Bugti.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is also the Patron-in-Chief of the PHF, has approved Bugti’s resignation as the President of PHF with immediate effect on Thursday. The prime minister has also taken notice of the mismanagement at the hockey federation.
The development comes after videos circulated on social media showing Pakistan national hockey team players living in substandard accommodation during their recent tour of Australia.
Team captain Ammad Shakeel Butt also made serious allegations of mismanagement and mental harassment against the team management and the PHF.
Bugti — while addressing a press conference a day earlier — announced to step down from the post, accusing the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) of mismanagement and failing to release funds in time for travel and logistical expenses linked to the team’s participation in the FIH Pro League.
He alleged that payments for hotel bookings in Australia were not made on time, creating major difficulties for players and officials, and claimed he was told at the PSB that the process could take up to two months.
He appealed to the prime minister and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir to form a committee to investigate the matter and determine the facts.
Bugti also announced a two-year ban on Pakistan captain Ammad Shakeel Butt, accusing him of threatening fellow players and running a campaign against the federation’s management, and said the PHF had decided a day earlier to initiate disciplinary proceedings against Butt over misconduct.
‘Very little time left’
Speaking to Geo News after taking charge, Wani announced the lifting of the ban on Ammad Butt
Wani said there was very little time left for the World Cup qualifying round and that the camp would begin “today or tomorrow”.
He said he would meet the players and decide steps to improve hockey, adding that whatever measures he takes now would be on a short-term basis.
He said emergency measures for the promotion and revival of hockey had been initiated.
He said work was underway to restore confidence and reconstitute the team management, while the coaching and training system would be improved and institutional coordination strengthened.
He urged players to focus solely on training and matches, stating that the federation would handle administrative matters, and added that all decisions would be made based on transparency and merit.
Naqvi steps in
Separately, Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi met the national men’s hockey team players in Lahore and promised to address their grievances over alleged mistreatment during the Pro Hockey League, while pledging support ahead of the World Cup Qualifier in Egypt.
“We will accommodate hockey players in every possible way. We will extend complete cooperation to streamline hockey affairs,” Naqvi said.
He directed officials to make immediate arrangements for air tickets, playing kits and hotel accommodation, ordered that a training camp be set up from Friday with preparations completed by Thursday night, and instructed that injured players be provided immediate medical treatment under PCB supervision.
Naqvi also distributed cheques of Rs1 million each to players after their runner-up finish in a recent national hockey tournament, fulfilling an earlier announcement.
He clarified on X that he had no ambitions to lead the PHF, writing: “I am not becoming Hockey Federation President, but we will assist players till this turmoil ends.”
