Muhyiddin Wani takes charge as PHF ad hoc president, lifts two-year ban on captain Ammad Butt

WEB DESK: Federal Secretary for Inter-Provincial Coordination Muhyiddin Wani has been appointed as the ad hoc president of the Pakistan Hockey Federation.

In his first statement after assuming charge as ad hoc president of the Pakistan Hockey Federation, Muhyiddin Wani announced the immediate lifting of the two-year ban imposed a day earlier on national team captain Ammad Shakeel Butt.

Wani reaffirmed his commitment to reviving and strengthening hockey in Pakistan, stating that work had already begun to stabilise the institution, restore confidence and restructure team management. He said the federation would adopt a short-term strategy to address urgent issues, alongside a medium-term plan focused on strategic vision, improved coaching and enhanced training systems.

He emphasised that governance reforms, efficient use of resources and partnerships with the private sector would form key pillars of the reform agenda. Players, he added, would be able to concentrate solely on training and matches, while the federation would take full responsibility for administrative matters.

Wani further stated that all stakeholders were united in their efforts to restore the lost glory of the national sport and pledged that transparent and democratic elections would be held to usher in new leadership. He underscored that transparency and fairness would remain central to the federation’s policy framework and expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in him by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Resignation of Tariq Bugti and internal rifts

The appointment of Muhyiddin Wani as ad hoc president follows a turbulent period within the Pakistan Hockey Federation marked by administrative disputes and internal rifts.

Former PHF president Tariq Bugti stepped down after the national team’s recent tour of Australia drew criticism over planning and financial management. At a press conference in Lahore, Bugti said he had tendered his resignation to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, alleging that delays by the Pakistan Sports Board in releasing funds created serious logistical problems during the tour.

According to Bugti, although Rs250 million had been approved for hockey, payments related to the Pro League remained pending, resulting in delayed hotel bookings and operational difficulties for the team in Australia. He termed the situation unacceptable for a national side representing the country and called for an inquiry into the matter.

The crisis deepened after Bugti imposed a two-year ban on national team captain Ammad Shakeel Butt, barring him from domestic and international competition. The decision came after the captain publicly alleged mismanagement and mental harassment linked to the tour.

Despite citing improvements in Pakistan’s world ranking and its return to the Pro League, Bugti’s resignation underscored mounting concerns over governance, funding and structural challenges within the federation.