Full Breakdown
Hockey India President Suspends Director General Amid Governance Dispute
By Drooid · · How we work
Immediate Action and Allegations
On September 12, 2026, Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey issued a legal show-cause notice removing Director General Cdr R.K. Srivastava of all authority and ordering him to cease duties. The notice listed eight instances of alleged non-compliance and a “serious breach of authority.” Srivastava was given four weeks to submit a written response; his salary and benefits remain unchanged pending Executive Committee review.
Background of the Dispute
The suspension follows controversies that have strained Hockey India’s leadership. Earlier in the year Srivastava approved a change of the men’s national team jersey from blue to saffron, a decision later reversed for the Asian Games. The federation is also dealing with an internal ICC/POSH investigation involving staff member Vikram Pal and unresolved disciplinary actions from a South Africa tour in December. Tensions have risen between Srivastava, the president’s office, and Secretary-General Bhola Nath Singh.
Timeline of Key Events
- Jan 23 2026 – Directive to take disciplinary action after the South Africa incident.
- Jan 30 2026 – Follow-up reminder.
- Feb 3 2026 – Additional reminder.
- July 15 2026 – Requests for ICC/POSH records concerning Vikram Pal began.
- July 30 2026 – Email instructing Srivastava not to travel to the World Cup and to focus on the Hockey India League.
- July 31 2026 – Media-embargo on the jersey controversy issued; later alleged PR-firm breach.
- Aug 2 2026 – Second reminder not to travel.
- Sept 12 2026 – Formal show-cause notice issued, suspending Srivastava’s powers.
Specific Charges
1. Unauthorized saffron jersey change.
2. Travel to the 2026 World Cup despite instructions to remain in India.
3. Failure to deploy selector Subhadra Pradhan and junior coaches Rani Rampal and Sardar Singh to the World Cup.
4. Media-embargo breach by the hired PR agency.
5. No disciplinary action after the South Africa tour incident involving Manpreet Singh, Dilpreet Singh and Krishan Pathak.
6. Non-availability of ICC/POSH records on Vikram Pal.
7. Inadequate communication with the International Hockey Federation, Asian Hockey Federation and national federations.
8. Neglect of other directives, including umpire-development matters.
Official Statements & Responses
- The notice, on behalf of President Tirkey, called the suspension an “ad-interim protective measure” to preserve discipline and smooth functioning.
- It stressed that the action is not a final disciplinary finding and will not affect remuneration.
- Srivastava has not responded; attempts to contact him were unsuccessful.
- Secretary-General Bhola Nath Singh disputed the notice’s validity, saying it lacked Executive Board approval.
Financial Figures
Former President Narinder Batra alleged the World Cup trip generated daily allowances of roughly Rs 43.68 lakh for four senior officials—about Rs 12.38 lakh each for Bhola Nath Singh and Srivastava, and Rs 9.46 lakh each for Treasurer J Manoharan and Selection Committee Chairman R.P. Singh.
Potential Implications
The suspension highlights a deepening governance rift weeks before the men’s team defends its Asian Games gold—a direct qualifier for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Ongoing leadership uncertainty could affect Hockey India League preparations, player selections and the federation’s ability to resolve pending disciplinary and compliance matters.
What’s Next
Srivastava must file a detailed written reply within four weeks. The Executive Committee will review his response before deciding on further action, which may include permanent removal or reinstatement under revised conditions. The handling of the ICC/POSH report, jersey policy and World Cup delegation issue will remain central in upcoming board deliberations.