PM appoints ad hoc PHF president after inquiry finds mismanagement
By Nawaz Gohar ; Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved the appointment of Inter-Provincial Coordination Secretary Mohyuddin Wani as ad hoc president of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) following serious findings of mismanagement.
The decision came after accepting the resignation of the former PHF president and directing that fresh elections be held within the federation to ensure transparency.
The move follows an inquiry conducted by the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) into the national team’s recent tour of Australia. The investigative report, submitted to the Prime Minister’s Office, held the PHF responsible for administrative lapses and financial irregularities.
According to the report, the team was scheduled to depart Lahore on February 2 and arrive in Hobart on February 4. However, delays and errors in visa processing led to the cancellation of the original flight.
The PSB incurred additional expenses of Rs27.1 million for rebooking tickets and a further Rs9.7 million in visa-related costs.
Moreover, $49,280 was paid in advance for accommodation at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Australia, but the team was not provided lodging there. Players were reportedly given a daily allowance of $115 each, along with approximately $3,000 for miscellaneous expenses.
The team eventually departed on February 5 and reached Hobart on February 7, with alternative accommodation arranged from February 6 to 14.
The Prime Minister directed immediate reforms and transparent elections to restore credibility and streamline hockey affairs in the country.
