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Pakistan Hockey Federation Lifts Ban on Ammad Butt as Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani Takes Charge
The Pakistan Hockey Federation has lifted the two-year ban on captain Ammad Shakeel Butt after newly appointed interim president Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani pledged transparency and reforms. Elections announced as efforts begin to revive Pakistan hockey.
ND
by News Desk
2026-02-20
Pakistan Hockey Federation Lifts Ban on Ammad Butt as Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani Takes Charge

 The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has lifted the two-year ban imposed on national team captain Ammad Shakeel Butt, marking the first major decision by newly appointed interim president Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani.

According to state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), Wani announced the reversal of the ban on Friday, emphasising that transparency and fairness would guide all decisions during his tenure.

The ban had been imposed a day earlier by former PHF president Tariq Hussain Bugti, who cited the findings of a committee probing alleged misconduct by Butt. Bugti also resigned from his position amid mounting controversy surrounding the national team’s tour of Australia for the FIH Pro League.

The Australia tour drew criticism after logistical issues reportedly left players without confirmed accommodation, forcing them to spend several hours on the road. The team’s overall performance in the Pro League further intensified scrutiny of the federation’s management.

Wani, who previously served as Secretary of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC), was appointed ad-hoc president by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif following Bugti’s resignation. In his statement, Wani assured stakeholders that a comprehensive reform plan would be introduced to stabilise the federation, rebuild trust, and revamp team management structures.

“As the newly appointed ad-hoc president of PHF, I assure stakeholders of our commitment to revive and strengthen hockey in Pakistan,” Wani said, according to APP.

He outlined a multi-phase strategy, with immediate steps focused on resolving organisational and administrative challenges. The medium-term plan includes developing a clear strategic vision, enhancing coaching and training systems, and improving institutional coordination among relevant bodies.

Wani also announced plans to engage the private sector to strengthen financial and logistical support for players. “Our players should focus on training and matches, while we handle the rest,” he stated, adding that player welfare and performance would remain central to reforms.

Additionally, he confirmed that elections for new PHF leadership would be held, signalling a transition toward a more stable governance structure.

Meanwhile, the issue of Butt’s ban had sparked confusion after Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi met with hockey players, including Butt and Hanan Shahid. Speaking to the media, Butt revealed that Naqvi had informed him there was no ban and that the same squad that toured Australia would travel to Egypt for upcoming commitments.

The initial suspension, reportedly imposed under the PHF constitution, had raised legal and procedural questions, making its swift reversal a significant move by the interim leadership.

With administrative reforms underway and elections on the horizon, the PHF now faces the challenge of restoring confidence, improving performance, and reclaiming Pakistan’s historic stature in international hockey.
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PakistanHockey

PHF

AmmadButt

MohyuddinWani
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