Lahore, Pakistan — Web Desk: Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has denied reports that he is set to take over as president of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), saying he will continue supporting the national team until the current crisis is resolved.
Naqvi met members of the national hockey team in Lahore and assured them of full assistance to address ongoing administrative and financial challenges. He later clarified on social media platform X that he has no plans to assume the PHF presidency but remains committed to helping the players during the transition period.
His statement came after PHF President Tariq Bugti resigned from his post and imposed a two-year ban on captain Imad Butt from domestic and international hockey. Bugti alleged that funding issues and administrative failures hampered the team’s preparations, including delays in hotel payments during the Australia tour.
Bugti also called for an investigation into mismanagement and said Pakistan’s world ranking had improved from 18 to 13 after returning to the Pro League following a six-year absence. He credited Field Marshal Asim Munir and Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti for supporting hockey development in Pakistan.
