Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Mohsin Naqvi met members of the national hockey team at Gaddafi Stadium and ordered immediate arrangements for a training camp and logistical support ahead of the Egypt World Cup Qualifiers.

Players briefed Naqvi on unpleasant incidents during the Pro Hockey League.

He expressed regret over the alleged mistreatment of players and assured them of full support.

He directed authorities to arrange tickets, kits and hotel accommodations for the Egypt qualifiers and ensure immediate medical treatment for injured players.

Naqvi also announced Rs1 million each for players after the team secured a silver medal at the Nations Cup.

Captain Imad Shakeel Butt said Naqvi assured players that no two-year ban would be imposed and their names would not be placed on the Exit Control List (ECL).

Vice Captain Hannan Shahid credited Naqvi’s support for boosting team morale.

PSB fulfils financial responsibilities

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) stated it had fulfilled its financial responsibilities in full and on time for the team’s Australia tour, while administrative and operational irregularities occurred at the level of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF).

According to the PSB, the team’s departure was initially scheduled for February 2, 2026, but was delayed due to late and incorrect visa submissions by the PHF.

Following PSB intervention through the Foreign Ministry with the Australian High Commission, visas were resubmitted, and the team departed on February 5, reaching Hobart on February 7.

The PSB bore the original airfare cost of Rs27.1 million and also paid an additional Rs9.7 million due to visa-related errors.

An advance of 49,280 Australian dollars was issued for hotel accommodation, along with $1,610 per player as daily allowance and nearly $3,000 for miscellaneous expenses.

However, the federation allegedly failed to confirm hotel bookings before departure.

The PSB further noted that required documents, including the player list and NOCs for the Egypt World Cup Qualifiers, have yet to be submitted by the PHF.

PHF president resigns

Amid the controversy, PHF President Tariq Hussain Bugti announced he had sent his resignation to the prime minister and imposed a ban on Captain Imad Shakeel Butt over alleged disciplinary violations.

In a press conference in Lahore, he blamed the PSB for accommodation and food issues in Australia and called for a high-level inquiry committee.

PM accepts resignation

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif accepted Bugti’s resignation and appointed IPC Secretary Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani as interim president.

The prime minister also approved the resignations of PHF General Secretary Rana Mujahid and Treasurer Shahid Parvez Bhindara, and directed that transparent elections be conducted within the federation.