Shahbaz Ahmed resigns as PHF Secy Gen

Hockey legend Shahbaz Ahmed Saturday stepped down from the post of secretary-general of Pakistan Hockey Federation and his resignation was accepted by PHF President Khalid Khokar.

Khokar in a video message confirmed that the former Pakistan captain had submitted his resignation which he had accepted.

"Asif Bajwa has been appointed to replace Shahbaz and he will take charge of office from Monday," he said.

Khokar, who brought in Shahbaz as secretary-general when he took over as PHF chief in 2015, said the former great resigned because of his pressing commitments with his employers, the PIA.

"I think Shahbaz did the best he could under the circumstances but unfortunately hockey has slid back day by day. Hopefully Bajwa with his experience can turn things around now," he said.

Shahbaz had initially quit after Pakistan's dismal show in the World Cup in India last December but Khokar refused to accept the resignation and asked the Olympian to continue as secretary.

Bajwa, also a hockey Olympian, has also remained secretary-general of the PHF between 2006-2010 and in his tenure Pakistan finished last in the World Cup held in India in 2010.

Pakistan hockey has been going through one of its worst crises since December with the government also refusing to help the federation with grants or funds.

The government, which claims it is restructuring the sports system in the country, has not released funds to any other national sports federations, causing athletes to miss international events in various disciplines, notably field hockey, wrestling, boxing, badminton and table tennis.

The FIH has already fined the PHF around 180,000 euros for not sending its team to the FIH Pro Hockey League in February-March and Pakistan will have to pay the amount by June and failure to do so will result in increase of the fine.