In a sudden development, Aziz Khan stepped down as the President of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) and has been replaced by Tariq Kirmani, head of Pakistan State Oil.

Aziz resigned from the post saying it is "unfair" to continue following his retirement from the country's army.

"I took charge of the PHF as an army officer and after retiring from the institution it is not fair to continue. Therefore, I have tendered my resignation which has been accepted by the Prime Minister," Aziz told reporters at Islamabad.

"The Prime Minister rang me up in the morning and informed that Tariq Kirmani will be the new PHF president."

Aziz, who was appointed by President Pervez Musharraf in 2000, said he had informed Musharraf of his decision after retiring from army in October.

"I was instructed to continue till the Champions Trophy in December and I have completed my task," he said.

Pakistan failed to win a single major title during Aziz's tenure and finished third in the recently concluded Champions Trophy under foreign coach Roelant Oltmans, who was hired nine months ahead of the six-nation tournament.

Aziz said he regrets that Pakistan could not end the victory drought during his tenure.

"I was hopeful that Pakistan would play the final at the Athens Olympics and I wished to go there but it did not happen," he was quoted as saying in local daily 'The Dawn'.

"The team has been showing complacency in crucial matches, which was the main drawback, otherwise our team has emerged as a fine outfit.

"We lost a crunch match to Spain in the Olympics and again showed complacency against Spain and The Netherlands in the Champions Trophy because of which we did not make it to the final."

Aziz, however, said the team is heading in the right direction.

"I hope the team will play the World Cup final in 2006."

He also expressed satisfaction over the administration of the PHF during his tenure.

"When I took charge, the PHF had to borrow [Rs 20 million] from the PCB [Pakistan Cricket Board] to send its team to the Sydney Olympics in 2000.

"Now PHF is financially strong and has even hired foreign experts for one year. PHF successfully organised the Champions Trophy which is another achievement."