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Naqvi meets national hockey team, assures support ‘until turmoil ends’ after Australia fiasco | The Express Tribune
‘I am not becoming Hockey Federation president, but we will assist players,’ says PCB chairman
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi meeting with hockey team players. Photo: X
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi met players of the national hockey team in Lahore on Thursday to address concerns raised by them and assured them of full support following the Australia tour fiasco during the Pro Hockey League.
The development came after Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Chief Tariq Bugti stepped down following complaints by national team players during last week’s whitewash tour. It also followed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordering a formal inquiry and signalling possible management changes after the national team’s poor performance in the Pro Hockey League.
Pakistan captain Imad Shakeel Butt alleged serious shortcomings by PHF officials, saying players were not provided proper accommodation during the Australia tour.
لاہور۔ چیئرمین پاکستان کرکٹ بورڈ محسن نقوی سے پاکستان ہاکی پلئیرز کی ملاقات pic.twitter.com/DQ73aL0uaj
— PCB Media (@TheRealPCBMedia) February 19, 2026
According to a PCB statement, during today’s meeting, the players informed Naqvi of the unpleasant incidents they encountered during the league. Naqvi expressed his regret over the mistreatment of the hockey players and reassured them that the board would take measures to ensure better treatment in the future.
In recognition of their efforts, Naqvi also presented cheques of Rs1 million each to the players for their runner-up finish in the Six-Nation Hockey Tournament. The players thanked Naqvi for his support and encouragemen.
He further promised to ensure that the players would be properly accommodated, saying, “We will provide full support and streamline hockey operations.”
The PCB said that Naqvi instructed the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) to arrange tickets, kits and hotel accommodations for the players attending the World Cup qualifiers in Egypt. Naqvi also directed that all necessary arrangements for the camp be completed promptly.
A training camp for the hockey players will be set up in Lahore starting from tomorrow.
In addition, Naqvi took immediate action regarding injured player Hannan Shahid, directing the PCB to arrange for his medical treatment. “I want all players to focus solely on their game,” Naqvi emphasised during the meeting.
The PCB chairman also reiterated his commitment to the national team’s success, saying, “Pakistan’s honour comes first. We will not let anything harm the dignity of our country.” Naqvi added that foreign coach Roelant Oltmans would be brought in to assist the national team.
I am not becoming Hockey Federation President but we will Assist players till this turmoil ends
— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) February 19, 2026
After meeting with the players, Naqvi said in a post on X, “I am not becoming Hockey Federation President, but we will assist players until this turmoil ends.”
Also Read: Pakistan hockey chief resigns after ‘shabby’ winless Australia tour
Earlier, the PSB rejected allegations made by the PHF, saying documentary evidence showed the board fulfilled all financial responsibilities related to the national team’s participation in FIH Pro League Season-7 Phase-2 in Hobart, Australia.
In a statement, the PSB said claims against it were misleading and contrary to the record, adding that administrative and operational shortcomings occurred at the federation level rather than within the government body.
The national team’s departure for the Australia tour was initially scheduled for Feb 2, 2026, but was cancelled after visa applications submitted by the PHF were delayed and contained incorrect information. The PSB said it intervened through diplomatic channels, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, after which applications were resubmitted. The team departed on Feb 5 and arrived in Hobart on Feb 7.
According to the board, it paid Rs27.1 million for air tickets and covered an additional Rs9.7m in costs arising from visa-related issues. It added that the federation provided lists of players and officials with passports on Jan 26 and 27, after which a cheque for hotel payments was issued on Jan 28.
Read More: PM Shehbaz orders inquiry after hockey team’s poor results
The board also rejected claims that it was responsible for handling all operational arrangements for international events, saying under the national sports governance framework, it provides financial support, oversight and policy guidance, while logistics, bookings, visa processing and operational management fall under the mandate of the relevant federation.
It added that documents related to the national team’s participation in a World Cup qualifying event in Egypt, including player lists and no-objection certificates, had yet to be submitted by the federation.
“The Pakistan Sports Board will not compromise on the national team’s interests, transparency and accountability,” the statement said.
Sports
Huff scores 3 as West Virginia tops Oklahoma for CBC title
LAS VEGAS — Honor Huff made eight 3-pointers and scored a career-high 38 to propel West Virginia to an 89-82 overtime victory over Oklahoma on Sunday in the championship game of the College Basketball Crown Tournament.
The senior guard teamed up with Jasper Floyd to do all the scoring in a game-ending 13-0 run for the Mountaineers (21-14) after spotting the Sooners (21-16) the first six points in OT. Floyd missed his first eight shots before sinking 3-pointers on both sides of one by Huff in a 9-0 run that gave West Virginia the lead for good at 85-82. Huff scored the final four points at the foul line.
Huff made 9 of 19 shots with seven of the misses coming from beyond the arc. He made all 12 of his free throws and had four assists. Chance Moore totaled 19 points — on 7-for-8 shooting — and 10 rebounds off the bench. Brenen Lorient added 15 points and eight rebounds.
Nijel Pack led Oklahoma with 24 points and seven assists. Tae Davis had 19 points and Xzayvier Brown scored 13.
Huff hit his first five 3-pointers and West Virginia jumped out to a 26-11 lead in the first 9:25. Davis had a three-point play in a 9-0 run and another one with 22 seconds left as Oklahoma battled back to lead 41-37 at halftime.
Pack sank a 3-pointer 3:31 into the second half to give Oklahoma its first double-digit lead 52-42.
Huff hit a 3 and two free throws and Lorient scored after a Sooners’ shot-clock violation to tie it 71-all with 1:45 remaining.
Pack and Huff traded 3-pointers, but Davis turned it over and then fouled Huff, who hit both free throws with 33 seconds remaining. Davis tied it at 76 with a layup, forcing OT.
Sports
UNC set to hire Michael Malone as next men’s basketball coach after firing Hubert Davis: report
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The UNC Tar Heels are dipping into the NBA pool for its next men’s basketball coach.
After Hubert Davis was fired following a shocking loss to VCU in the first round of the NCAA Tournament earlier this month, the Tar Heels are set to hire Michael Malone, according to ESPN.
North Carolina was previously linked to top college coaches, including Michigan’s Dusty May, who will be competing for an NCAA title on Monday night against UConn. But May took his name out of any running across college, while Arizona’s Tommy Lloyd and Iowa State’s T.J. Otzelberger were also rumored to be in the Tar Heels’ favor.
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Head Coach Michael Malone claps on the sidelines during the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Ball Arena in Denver, Colo., on April 6, 2025. (Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
But Malone, who the past 10 seasons leading the Denver Nuggets, is the man they’re settling on to lead the Tar Heels back to greatness.
Malone is the winningest coach in Nuggets history, tallying 471 career wins across his career there, while also winning an NBA title in 2023.
VCU COACH PRAISES STUDENT JOURNALISTS AFTER HISTORIC MARCH MADNESS COMEBACK: ‘BEST IN THE COUNTRY’
However, Malone, despite what he means to the franchise record books, was fired by the Nuggets in April 2025. He quickly entered the sports media space, joining ESPN in May 2025, but he’s back in the saddle now in a whole new collegiate world compared to the pros.
Perhaps North Carolina wouldn’t have been searching for another head coach if Davis and the Tar Heels didn’t collapse against No. 10 VCU in the first round, as the Rams mounted the biggest first-round comeback in tournament history to ultimately defeat No. 6 UNC in overtime, 82-78.
“We appreciate all that Hubert has done for Carolina as a player, assistant coach, head coach and community leader – he has helped make special memories we will never forget,” athletic director Bubba Cunningham said in a statement. “This was not an easy decision because of Hubert’s tremendous character and all he has given to the program, but we must move forward in a way that allows our team to compete more consistently at an elite level.”
Davis, who made four NCAA Tournaments, including the last three seasons, over his five campaigns with the Tar Heels, released his own statement on the matter.

Head coach Michael Malone of the Denver Nuggets watches the game against the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on April 4, 2025. (Eakin Howard/Getty Images)
“Tonight, I was let go by the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill,” he wrote. “My desire was to continue to coach here. This opportunity has truly been such a blessing. I thank Jesus literally every day for giving me the opportunity, relationships and experiences with the kids and my staff. I am very proud of what we were able to accomplish together.”
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Davis added that he hopes to be coaching “in the very near future.”
Davis, who played for UNC from 1988-92 before being a first-round pick by the New York Knicks in 1992, left the program with about $5.3 million still guaranteed from his contract, per ESPN.
Davis went 125-54 during his 179-game tenure with his alma mater, which included a first-year Final Four appearance during the 2021-22 campaign. The Tar Heels reached the national championship game, falling to the Kansas Jayhawks, who also overcame a double-digit deficit to be crowned champions.

Head coach Michael Malone of the Denver Nuggets looks on during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on April 4, 2025. (Eakin Howard/Getty Images)
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After missing March Madness in 2023, the Tar Heels earned themselves a No. 1 seed in 2024, but they were taken down by No. 4 Alabama in the Sweet 16, cutting their national title hopes short. Still, Davis earned himself the ACC Coach of the Year Award that year.
The Tar Heels want to get back to the Roy Williams days, as the legendary UNC head coach led his squad to six NCAA titles during his tenure, the most recent coming in 2017.
Sports
Giants’ Dexter Lawrence requests trade as contract negotiations get stagnant: reports
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New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence reportedly requested a trade from the team and has made clear to the organization he will not be at the team’s offseason workouts.
Lawrence has been trying to “negotiate a contract reflecting his value to the Giants” the last two years but talks have remained stagnant, ESPN reported on Monday. Discussions about a new deal reportedly haven’t moved forward even with John Harbaugh coming in as head coach.
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New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence plays against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Oct. 26, 2025. (Eric Hartline/Imagn Images)
The burly 340-pound defensive lineman is a three-time Pro Bowler and has been with the Giants through some rough seasons. Despite that, he’s been one of their better defensive players since the team selected him in the first round of the 2019 draft out of Clemson.
Lawrence has 30.5 sacks, 15 pass break-ups and 341 tackles in 109 career games with New York.

New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II gestures during the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Oct. 9, 2025. (Brad Penner/Imagn Images)
Last season, Lawrence played in all 17 games for the first time in his career. He had an interception to go along with 31 tackles and a half-sack.
The 28-year-old player signed a four-year contract extension with the Giants in 2023, reportedly worth $87.5 million. He has two years left on his current deal. He would be paid $18.5 million in 2026 and $15.5 million if a new deal isn’t negotiated.

New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II returns an interception during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Sept. 28, 2025. (Vincent Carchietta/Imagn Images)
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It’s unclear what team would be interested in trading for Lawrence. But with the NFL Draft around the corner, New York would likely expect at least two picks from any team trading for Lawrence.
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