Pakistan’s hockey administration was plunged deeper into chaos on Friday after the government overturned national captain Ammad Shakeel Butt’s two-year ban, calling the punishment “illegal and unconstitutional”. The decision marked a dramatic reversal just a day after the suspension was announced.
The ban was imposed by the former Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) President Tariq Bugti, who resigned shortly after. Butt publicly criticized the federation for alleged mismanagement during the team’s troubled tour of Australia earlier this month, sparking a fresh wave of controversy surrounding Pakistan hockey.
However, PHF Interim President Muhuydin Ahmed Wani intervened to lift the ban, saying the move had no constitutional basis and was “illegal”.
This episode unfolded against the backdrop of Pakistan’s poor run in the FIH Pro League and increasing scrutiny of governance in the sport. On the field, Pakistan lost all eight matches against Netherlands, Argentina, Australia and Germany. There are currently nine teams at the bottom of the standings
With qualification for the World Cup in Egypt scheduled to take place in four months, attention has now shifted to stabilizing the team and its administration.
WHY WAS AMMAD BUTT BANNED?
The controversy stemmed from Pakistan’s chaotic tour of Australia, where videos emerged showing the national team stranded in Sydney with luggage due to accommodation and payment issues. The incident sparked outrage on social media and intensified criticism of the federation’s planning.
Although Butt initially played down the situation while still in Australia, he later spoke after returning home and accused the PHF of negligence and mismanagement. The federation’s leadership at the time did not like his statement.
Bugti responded by handing the captain a two-year ban, claiming Butt had brought Pakistan hockey into disrepute. The decision came just before Bugti resigned, further fueling the debate over internal accountability and governance.
Both the PHF and the Pakistan Sports Council have traded blame for the Australian tour fiasco, exposing a lack of coordination at the top.
With the crucial World Cup qualifying tournament in Egypt on the horizon, Pakistan hockey faces not only a performance challenge but also an urgent need for structural reform. Butt’s reinstatement may restore management stability in the short-term, but long-term recovery will depend on administrative clarity and better results on the field.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
February 20, 2026