Pakistan Hockey Federation’s (PHF) unauthorised spending of nearly 87 million rupees has cast serious doubt over the country’s participation in the prestigious FIH Pro League, sources told Telecomasia.net.
The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), which disburses government grants to sports bodies, has flagged gross irregularities. It declared that the PHF had misused 87 million rupees ($306,794 USD), much of it on extravagant travel allowances and joyrides for officials.
Big Grant Under Threat
The PHF has been lobbying for a massive 700 million rupee ($2.6 million) grant to compete in the Pro League, seen as critical to reviving the national team’s fortunes. But insiders fear the financial scandal may block the request altogether.
PHF has been in serious trouble for not giving proper accounts of the grants for the last two years, and this latest scam could end their chances of getting any more government money.
PSB Audit: Misuse and Poor Record-Keeping
A letter from the PSB to PHF, accessed by Telecomasia.net, outlines damning findings.
The federation has been guilty of misappropriating funds under irrelevant heads, failing to maintain proper records, and disregarding financial guidelines that govern the use of public money.
According to PSB, PHF received Rs119.667 million over the past two financial years (2023–24 and 2024–25). Only Rs32.317 million has been deemed admissible, subject to audit proof. The remaining Rs87.549 million has been rejected outright.
Joyrides at Players’ Expense
Media reports and former players accuse PHF President Tariq Bugti and secretary Rana Mujahid of treating the federation like a personal travel fund, claiming daily allowances of $500 while players received little or nothing.
On one hand, players were deprived of their daily allowance of just $105, and on the other, officials enjoyed posh hotels and hefty TA-DA. Even those meagre payments due to players remain unpaid to date.
Frustration within the squad has boiled over, with captain Ammad Shakeel Butt and teammates threatening revolt over unpaid dues.
Pro League Deadline in Limbo
Facing the crisis, PHF has asked the FIH for a ten-day extension on the August 20 deadline to confirm participation. According to PHF, the FIH has agreed to the request. But funding remains uncertain. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has offered financial help—on the condition that it directly pays players and expenses, bypassing the PHF entirely.
PSB and PCB do not trust the PHF with money, which is a damning indictment of the federation’s reputation. PCB chief Naqvi even gave one million rupees directly to each national player, refusing to involve PHF.
A Team on the Rise, A Federation in Decline
Ironically, the hockey team has shown promise on the pitch. Pakistan finished third at last year’s Asian Champions Trophy, were runners-up at the Azlan Shah tournament, and recently reached the final of the FIH Nations Cup. New Zealand’s withdrawal from the Pro League opened the door for Pakistan to compete at the highest level. Yet, financial mismanagement by its federation now threatens to slam that door shut.
