New Delhi (India) February 19:Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) president Tariq Bugti resigned, but not before banning the national team’s captain, Ammad Butt, following the hotel payment debacle. The Pakistan squad were stranded in Sydney for nearly 14 hours during a tour of Australia, washing dishes as they were doing the daily chores they needed to take care of.
Bugti Resigns, Urges PM Probe Into Sydney Scandal
Tariq Bugti stated that he has communicated his resignation to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Bugti confirmed the development on Thursday, February 19, calling on the Prime Minister and Field Marshal Asim Munir to go as far as to carry out a full investigation into the incident in Australia.
"I have sent my resignation letter to the PM, but I urge him and Field Marshal Asim Munir to conduct an impartial inquiry into the whole incident which took place in Australia during the FIH Pro League," he said.
Butt Blasts PHF Mismanagement on Australia Tour
The controversy over Pakistan hockey burst online with a video on social media showing the men stranded in Sydney with their luggage. The moment the footage went viral Butt shared another video claiming that everything was fine in Australia and there was no accommodation issue.
But after returning home Wednesday, Butt attacked the PHF for their mismanagement in the course of the tour. Butt had berated the PHF during the tour announcing that the players were required to clean the kitchen and wash dishes prior to play during the match.
No Hotel Cash, Players Walked Streets Hungry
Butt also told reporters that there had been no payment received in advance of arrival at the hotel in Sydney, and that they had to walk around the streets before arrangements were made for their stay.
He also claimed that nine players had been without their daily allowances from the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) and PHF for the last year. The players also asked why there are logistical issues in Australia although the government has provided the required funds to the PHF.
Tariq Bugti's frustrations were not that of the Pakistan captain who openly criticised PHF and banned him two years after he said so, before quitting himself.
Coach Blames Players' Gossip for Tour Losses
Due to team failure, Pakistan lost all matches on the Australia tour, and lost games against Germany too. In the meantime, Pakistan’s hockey coach has escalated the blame game while at the same time offering to resign. He has also blamed the players for losses on the Australia tour, stating that there was foul talk among some of the players, including Butt, that ultimately hurt the team on the tour.
Pakistan is due to go to Egypt in four months’ time for the final World Cup qualifying tournament following a terrible Australian tour.