Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) President Tariq Bugti resigned on Wednesday and announced a two-year ban on national team captain Ammad Shakeel Butt.

Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Bugti said he had sent his resignation to the federation’s Patron-in-Chief, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif.

Before stepping down, Bugti announced a two-year ban on Butt, saying the captain would not be eligible to play domestic or international hockey during that period.

Bugti held the Pakistan Sports Board responsible for the mismanagement of the national team during its tour of Australia for the Pro Hockey League.

He said the prime minister had released Rs250 million for the federation. Funds for the Pro Hockey League were given to the Pakistan Sports Board, but the board did not release the money in time for hotel bookings in Australia.

“I myself went to the Sports Board and asked to release the funds, but they said it would take two months,” Bugti said, adding that the board had failed to manage the allocated funds.

Bugti said a request had been made to the prime minister and the Field Marshal to form a committee to investigate the alleged mismanagement in the Pro Hockey League and to take action against those responsible.

He added that, like the cricket board, the hockey federation should be fully independent so it can generate its own resources.

Players and team management had earlier expressed anger over their treatment in Australia.

Ammad Butt had criticised the management, saying players were not provided proper hotels or quality food during the tour.

He said that on some occasions, players were forced to cook and wash their own clothes, adding that it would not be possible to compete in the World Cup qualifying round under the current administration.