PHF Acting President Mohyuddin Wani interacts with youth at an event in Islamabad. Photo: file
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 announced on Friday that the suspension had been lifted, signaling a reversal in tone as the federation struggles to stabilize after recent turmoil.
The ban, imposed by PHF leader Tariq Bugti, drew sharp criticism. Bugti resigned after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered an investigation into the team’s tour of Australia, where players had to scramble to find accommodation in Hobart and were forced to prepare their own meals and wash dishes in a guest house after the federation failed to fund a suitable hotel.
Butt had been at the forefront of the backlash, publicly criticizing the PHF for the conditions endured by players and for months of delayed allocations.
With Wani now in charge on an interim basis, the federation appears to be turning the page. “I hope for a revival and strengthening of hockey,” Wani said, adding that players should concentrate entirely on training and matches.
The IPC federal secretary echoed this sentiment by announcing that the federation’s leadership would be completely reorganized. Wani also confirmed that elections for new permanent leaders would take place, prioritizing transparency and justice in all decisions.
“All institutions are aligned for the revival of national sports,” Wani said, stressing that better governance and partnerships with the private sector would ensure better financial support for players.
Meanwhile, the subcommittee of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Interprovincial Coordination also took strict note of the problems facing the national hockey team on Friday and announced that it would request a detailed briefing.
Speaking at a meeting held in Parliament under his presidency, Meharin Razzaq Bhutto said that what happened to the national team was unfortunate.
“Our hearts beat for hockey as they do for cricket. The committee will examine who is truly responsible for this incompetence. We seem determined to destroy our own sport,” she said.
The meeting was attended by PHF Acting President Mohyuddin Wani, Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Director General and committee members.
