PHF Crisis: Naqvi Voices Regret, Guarantees Support for Players

LAHORE-(Sports Reporter/Web Desk)- Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday met members of the national men’s hockey team in Lahore, assuring them of full institutional support following complaints of alleged mistreatment during the Pro Hockey League. The players shared details of the difficulties they faced, prompting Naqvi to express regret over the incidents and promise to address their concerns ahead of the upcoming World Cup Qualifier in Egypt. However, he clarified that he has no intention of taking charge of the Pakistan Hockey Federation.

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We will accommodate hockey players in every possible way. We will extend complete cooperation to streamline hockey affairs,” Naqvi stated.

The PCB Chairman directed officials to make immediate arrangements for air tickets, playing kits and hotel accommodation for the team ahead of the upcoming World Cup Qualifier tournament in Egypt.

He also ordered that a training camp for the players be set up from Friday, with instructions that all preparations be completed by Thursday night.

Naqvi further instructed that injured players be provided immediate medical treatment under PCB supervision, urging the players to stay focused on their games.

“You should focus only on the game. Pakistan’s honour comes first. We will not allow the country’s dignity to be compromised under any circumstances,” Naqvi told Hockey players.

During the meeting, Naqvi also distributed cheques of Rs1 million each to players after their runner-up finish in the recent national hockey tournament, fulfilling an earlier announcement.

The players thanked the PCB chief for meeting them and for his support and encouragement during a challenging time.

Following the meeting, Naqvi categorically clarified that he was not becoming the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) but would continue to assist the players until the conclusion of the turmoil.

“I am not becoming Hockey Federation President, but we will assist players till this turmoil ends,” Naqvi wrote on X, formerly Twitter.His clarification came after Tariq Bugti formally stepped down as President of the PHF, dispatching his resignation to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif.

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