Pakistan's Musarrat resigns from PHF secretary role

ISLAMABAD, July 20 (Reuters) Brigadier Musarratullah has stepped down as secretary of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) in the wake of a parliamentary probe into the recent decline of the national side.

PHF officials made Musarrat's resignation public yesterday, bringing to an end a controversial six-year reign that was blighted by criticism of his approach to the role and allegations of his involvement in a visa scam.

''I have done my best for Pakistan hockey and someone else should be given a chance,'' Musarrat told Reuters today.

While admitting to the committee that some unauthorised people had obtained visas for European countries through the federation, Musarrat refused to be held accountable.

''Mistakes were made but not intentionally and I alone am not responsible for this,'' he told Reuters.

''My decision to leave my post is not linked to the allegations and counter allegations made in these meetings.'' However, several former players have blamed Musarrat for the team's slump, which culminated in Pakistan finishing a disappointing fifth at the eight-team Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia.

Once the proud holders of four grand slam world titles, Pakistan have not won a grand slam event since 1994.

''He was a non-technical person and it complicated matters for people like us wanting to do something for Pakistan hockey,'' former Olympian Samiullah said.

Former captain Islahuddin Siddiqi said: ''He would not listen seriously to any advice from us and things went from bad to worse.'' REUTERS PM PM1453