(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
PSB Issues Charge Sheet to Pakistan Hockey Federation Over Governance and Financial Irregularities
The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has formally taken action against the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), serving a charge sheet to President Mir Tariq Hussain Bugti over alleged governance failures, financial mismanagement, and violation of the federation’s mandate.
According to the PSB’s letter dated August 11, Bugti—appointed on an ad-hoc basis in December 2023 by the Prime Minister—has failed to fulfill his primary responsibility of holding free and fair PHF elections. More than 18 months into his tenure, the elections remain pending, while the president continues to enjoy official perks.
Serious Financial Concerns
The PSB revealed that it released over Rs. 119 million to the PHF for operations, including travel and logistics. However, the federation has allegedly not submitted certified bank statements for its operational accounts. The only available audit report for FY 2023–24 reportedly contradicts PHF’s own claims, with funds allegedly spent on inadmissible administrative expenses, while players still await unpaid daily allowances.
An inquiry into an unauthorized bank account in Sindh Bank—first flagged in January 2025—also remains unresolved despite repeated PSB reminders. The opening of a new PHF office in Islamabad and alleged unauthorized perks for officials have further raised red flags.
PSB’s Seven Key Demands
The board has given the PHF president seven days to provide written explanations on:
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Failure to hold PHF elections.
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Inaction on the unauthorized bank account inquiry.
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Non-submission of bank statements for all PHF accounts.
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Funding details of foreign tours by officials.
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Clarification on Islamabad office expenses.
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Full disclosure of PHF income, including rental earnings.
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Justification for unauthorized perks and spending.
The PSB warned that if Bugti fails to respond, the matter will be referred directly to the Prime Minister, the Patron-in-Chief of the PHF, for further action.
As the deadline approaches, the fate of Pakistan hockey hangs in the balance. Fans and players now wait to see if this intervention will lead to much-needed reform or become yet another unresolved chapter in the sport’s troubled history.
