ISLAMABAD: Fresh controversy has engulfed the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) as new revelations question not only the federation’s handling of the national team’s recent tour to Australia but also the circumstances surrounding the appointment of its president, Tariq Bugti.
The latest disclosures come in the wake of serious financial and administrative irregularities reported during the Pakistan hockey team’s Australia tour, where despite full advance funding by the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), players were allegedly denied the accommodation and facilities officially invoiced by PHF.
Federal sources have now revealed that Tariq Bugti’s elevation to the presidency of PHF may itself have stemmed from a political understanding during the caretaker government. According to informed sources, during the caretaker setup, an influential personality from Balochistan, reportedly requested his cousin, Tariq Bugti, to withdraw from contesting elections against him. Mr Tariq allegedly agreed to step aside. Subsequently, during the caretaker government with the reported nod of another important personality who also belongs to Balochistan, he was assigned the position of president of PHF as a form of political adjustment.
It may be recalled that in the past, Tariq Bugti had contested elections from Balochistan, highlighting political differences against his opponents.
The News reached out to the personalities concerned for their response to these claims. Both acknowledged receiving questions sent via WhatsApp but did not provide any response. Efforts to obtain the viewpoint of the PHF secretary also remained unsuccessful.
It is pertinent to mention here that previously when questioned about financial and administrative mismanagement, Mr Tariq told The News, “Sport board manages everything for pro leagues. They should manage timely”. However, no response was given when the latter was approached this time.
The controversy surrounding Mr Bugti’s appointment has gained renewed attention following what many within hockey circles are terming a “complete administrative collapse” during the Australia tour. As previously reported, the PSB had released an advance payment of $49,280 to PHF for accommodation arrangements at DoubleTree by Hilton, along with daily allowances for players and officials. However, the national team was allegedly lodged in significantly lower-cost accommodations, reportedly including Airbnb-style facilities, while members of the Pakistani community in Australia were approached for financial assistance despite full funds having been disbursed.
The developments have intensified concerns about governance standards within PHF. Critics argue that the alleged financial mismanagement during the tour reflects deeper structural weaknesses within the federation weaknesses that, according to some federal officials, may stem from politically influenced appointments rather than merit-based leadership.
Sports governance experts warn that continued controversies not only demoralise players but also damage Pakistan’s credibility at the international level, particularly at a time when the country is striving to revive its once-glorious hockey legacy.
With questions surrounding both the financial handling of the tour and the legitimacy of the federation’s leadership, pressure is mounting for an independent audit and a broader inquiry into PHF’s administrative affairs.
So far, the federation has not issued a detailed rebuttal addressing either the tour-related discrepancies or the claims regarding the circumstances of Mr Bugti’s appointment. The silence, observers say, is only deepening the crisis.
