Pakistan hockey chief quits after players left stranded in Australia, captain banned

Before resigning from his post as Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) chief, Tariq Bugti imposed a two-year ban on national team captain Ammad Shakeel Butt.

Updated on: Feb 20, 2026, 07:58:16 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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The Pakistan Hockey Federation's (PHF) president, Tariq Bugti, resigned on Thursday amid the ongoing controversy, following the national team's players being left on the streets during a recent tour of Australia. But before his resignation, he imposed a two-year ban on captain Ammad Shakeel Butt for criticising the national federation.

The Pakistan hockey team during a match in their Australia tour.

Bugti confirmed his resignation, stating he had submitted it to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. "I have sent my resignation letter to the PM but I urge him and Field Marshal Asim Munir to conduct an impartial inquiry into the whole situation which took place in Australia during the FIH Pro League hockey" he said.

Also Read: Pakistan hockey captain not hiding anything anymore, reveals 'India' was the reason he lied

Players forced to clean kitchen and wash dishes during tour

Meanwhile, Butt also slammed the PHF on Wednesday, revealing that players were forced to clean the kitchen and wash dishes before going out to compete during the tour. During the tour, the Pakistan national team lost all its FIH Pro League matches against Australia and Germany. The defeats came after they were made to spend hours on the road. Also, their hotel declined them entry due to the PHF's failure to make an advance payment, despite the body receiving the necessary funds from the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB).

On their return to Pakistan, captain Butt and at least nine other players called for the removal of team management and current PHF leadership. Butt also revealed that the majority of the players haven't yet received their daily allowances from the PSB and PHF for the past year.

Bugti also claimed that the PSB was the one to blame, as they handled the arrangements for the tour and were responsible for the controversy.

The PSG had reportedly sent a cheque of one million rupees to the PHF for hotel accommodation expenses. When Bugti was asked about it, he failed to provide a clear answer.

Meanwhile, the team's head coach, Tahir Zaman, announced his intention to resign and accused the players of being indisciplined. He also alleged that Butt had used abusive language against others, which affected the team's performance. Pakistan will travel to Egypt after 4 months to participate in the final qualifying tournament for the World Cup.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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