(Web Desk) – Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has decided to remove the national hockey team’s management following an inquiry into complaints regarding poor accommodation and food arrangements during the team’s tour of Australia, officials said on Wednesday.
According to details, the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) formed an inquiry committee after reports emerged highlighting inadequate living conditions faced by players while abroad. The committee was established on the directives of PSB Director General Yasir Pirzada to investigate the allegations and determine accountability.
The inquiry panel was chaired by Chief Financial Officer Hasnat Ahmed, with Saeed Ahmed Chaudhry and Rana Nasrullah serving as members. Officials said the committee completed its investigation within a day and submitted its findings to the PSB director general.
Based on the inquiry report, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved the decision to dismiss the hockey team’s management, including Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) President Mir Tariq Bugti and Secretary General Rana Mujahid. Authorities indicated that the move was aimed at ensuring accountability and improving management standards within the national sport.
The issue gained public attention after reports surfaced about substandard arrangements for Pakistani players during the Australia tour, raising concerns about athlete welfare and administrative oversight. The decision reflects growing pressure on sports authorities to enhance governance, transparency, and professional standards in national sports administration.
Pakistan’s national hockey team, once a dominant force in international hockey with multiple Olympic and World Cup titles, has struggled in recent years to regain its past prominence. Analysts say administrative reforms and better support systems for athletes are crucial for rebuilding the sport’s reputation and competitiveness on the global stage.
Officials have yet to announce details regarding the appointment of new management or structural changes within the Pakistan Hockey Federation. Further developments are expected as authorities review recommendations outlined in the inquiry report.
