Federation elections wrap up as PSB promises transparency, grills PHF over unpaid player allowances

 

Federation elections wrap up as PSB promises transparency, grills PHF over unpaid player allowances

Asher Butt

The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) is making headlines on two fronts this week — wrapping up federation elections with a promise of transparency, while also turning its attention to a growing controversy surrounding the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) over unpaid player allowances.

PSB to question PHF amid player protests

Speaking to the media on Friday, PSB Director General Yasir Pirzada confirmed that the Board will officially question the PHF regarding the unpaid daily allowances of the national men’s hockey team currently participating in the FIH Nations Cup in Kuala Lumpur.

Pirzada expressed disappointment over the federation’s handling of player payments, especially considering that the PSB had provided full financial support for the team’s travel and related expenses.

"We provided tickets, approved additional baggage allowances, and allocated around PKR 9 million to the PHF," Pirzada said, adding that the PHF had submitted written confirmation to the PSB claiming it had sufficient funds to manage the players’ daily allowances.

Yet, despite these arrangements, players have reportedly gone over 10 days without receiving their agreed-upon daily allowance of PKR 30,000. The issue was further amplified when Pakistan team captain Ammad Butt publicly criticized the authorities, passionately asking, "Is there anyone who truly understands the struggles of Pakistan hockey?"

Sources close to the team reveal that the players not only await their allowances for the ongoing tournament but also have unpaid dues from two previous domestic training camps. Players had requested at least partial payments before traveling, but no response was given.

This financial mismanagement comes at a particularly sensitive time as the national hockey team prepares to compete in the final of the FIH Nations Cup — a moment that should have been a proud highlight for Pakistan’s struggling hockey landscape.

PSB successfully concludes transparent federation elections

While the hockey controversy unfolds, the PSB has successfully concluded elections across multiple sports federations, emphasizing transparency and accountability.

Elections for the Pakistan Bodybuilding Federation, Pakistan Tenpin Bowling Federation, and Alpine Club of Pakistan were completed at the PSB Coaching Centre in Lahore on Friday under the supervision of the PSB Election Commission.

Pakistan Bodybuilding Federation: New leadership elected

Muhammad Tariq Hassan has been elected President of the Pakistan Bodybuilding Federation, with Sohail Anwar taking the role of Secretary General. The leadership team also includes two Vice Presidents — Muhammad Irshad and Khanzeb — supported by a strong panel of additional vice presidents and executive members. Armugham Muqeem was appointed Finance Secretary, and Muhammad Fayyaz became the Associate Secretary.

Pakistan Tenpin Bowling Federation: Leadership unopposed

In unopposed elections, Ijaz ur Rehman was elected as President of the Pakistan Tenpin Bowling Federation, while Kamran Khalid took over as Secretary General. Senior Vice Presidents Aleem Agha and Asif Aurakzai were also confirmed, alongside a comprehensive secretarial team, including social and women’s sports representatives.

Alpine Club of Pakistan: Expanding the vision for adventure sports

The Alpine Club of Pakistan also elected its new leadership, with Major General Irfan Arshad (HIM) as President, Ayaz Ahmed Shigri as General Secretary, and Hayatullah Khan Durrani as Senior Vice President. The club’s diverse executive board reflects a growing interest in promoting mountaineering and adventure sports across Pakistan.

The PSB emphasized that these elections were held in strict accordance with the Pakistan Sports Board Constitution (2022), the Revised National Sports Policy (2005), and the Sports Election Regulations (2024), ensuring a transparent and credible process.

A step towards better governance

The PSB hailed the successful completion of the elections as a significant milestone in the restructuring of national sports governance. Officials believe these steps will strengthen accountability, empower sports federations, and foster long-term development across multiple disciplines.

However, even as governance structures improve on paper, the unresolved player grievances in hockey serve as a sharp reminder that financial integrity and timely support for athletes must remain a top priority.

As the hockey team heads into a crucial final, players, fans, and the wider sports community will be watching closely to see whether the PSB’s intervention leads to swift action — and whether Pakistani sports can truly turn a corner.