The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has initiated a thorough scrutiny of hockey clubs to ensure transparent and credible elections for the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF). The scrutiny process is being conducted in accordance with the PSB-PHF Constitution and recommendations from the National Assembly Standing Committee on Inter-Provincial Coordination. A PSB spokesperson clarified that the board is not favoring any individual or group and that the scrutiny is based on merit, documentary evidence, and verification criteria.
The spokesperson emphasized that this is the first time in Pakistan’s hockey election history that such a structured and transparent scrutiny of clubs is being conducted. The process is a result of institutional reforms and transparency-driven governance measures introduced by the current Director General of PSB, Mr. Yasir Pirzada. The scrutiny committee, comprising PSB and PHF nominees, is reviewing the records of existing clubs submitted to the Standing Committee.
Initial screening has revealed that out of 1,156 registered clubs, 883 are qualified subject to physical verification, while 273 are non-qualified due to having fewer than 14 players or players outside the prescribed age limits. Additionally, 19 districts that were initially eligible to vote in the Congress have been found to have fewer than five registered clubs, making them ineligible to vote.
The PSB will begin physical verification of clubs starting from Islamabad and Rawalpindi on January 17th, 2026. Clubs with deficiencies or discrepancies will be given the opportunity to file an objection or appeal, and any unresolved issues will be decided by a Panel of Adjudicators. The spokesperson highlighted that this development reflects the seriousness, impartiality, and transparency of the scrutiny exercise.
The PSB’s efforts aim to ensure that the forthcoming PHF elections are conducted in a fair and transparent manner, free from any malicious or politically motivated complaints. The board’s commitment to transparency and accountability is evident in its decision to conduct a thorough scrutiny of hockey clubs, which will ultimately contribute to the growth and development of hockey in Pakistan. The scrutiny process is a significant step towards promoting good governance and fairness in the sport, and its outcome is eagerly anticipated by the hockey community.