In a landmark move aimed at bringing structural reform and generational change within the sports administration of Pakistan, the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has officially capped the age limit for office bearers of national sports federations at 70 years. The decision, announced during the 34th Board meeting of PSB held on July 23, 2025, marks a significant shift toward professionalizing the governance of sports bodies across the country.
The Decision at a Glance
The newly introduced policy mandates that no individual above the age of 70 can serve as the head — or hold any top executive position — in a national sports federation affiliated with the PSB. This move has been welcomed by sports analysts and former athletes as a necessary measure to modernize sports governance, bring fresh energy to leadership roles, and create more space for younger, qualified professionals to assume responsibility.
The PSB’s board meeting also addressed several other pressing issues, including transparency in elections, financial accountability, athlete welfare, and age-fraud prevention — an issue that has long plagued youth sports in Pakistan.
Why Was This Decision Needed?
For years, Pakistan’s sports federations have been dominated by long-serving officials, many of whom have clung to power for decades. Critics have argued that this stagnation has hindered progress, led to administrative inefficiencies, and contributed to Pakistan’s declining performance in international competitions.
The age limit is seen as a tool not only to retire outdated leadership but also to curb the culture of lifetime tenures and unchallenged authority. Several sports federations have been operating without clear succession plans or performance benchmarks, with aging leadership often being accused of mismanagement, nepotism, and resistance to reform.
By implementing a maximum age threshold, the PSB is signaling a clear intent to promote leadership renewal and institutional accountability.
Broader Reforms in the Sports Ecosystem
Apart from the age limit, the PSB announced several other critical reforms during its July 2025 meeting:
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Transparency in Elections: All federations will now be required to conduct elections in a transparent manner, in line with internationally accepted best practices.
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SECP Registration: Sports bodies must register with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) to qualify for government recognition and funding. This is aimed at ensuring legal and financial compliance.
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Athlete Welfare: A special focus is being placed on introducing pension schemes and insurance coverage for retired and active athletes.
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Combating Age Fraud: The board approved the development of a national database and digital system to verify the ages of youth athletes to prevent age-fraud, particularly in under-19 tournaments.
Reaction from the Sports Community
The decision to cap the age of sports federation heads has received a mixed response. Many former athletes and sports experts have welcomed the move, calling it “long overdue.” They believe that introducing younger leaders with modern ideas and experience in international sports management could breathe new life into Pakistani sports.
However, some existing office bearers, especially those approaching or exceeding the 70-year mark, have criticized the decision, arguing that experience should not be sidelined by age. Some have even threatened legal action or political lobbying to reverse the policy.
Despite the resistance, the PSB remains firm in its stance, maintaining that institutional progress must be prioritized over individual interests.
Implications for the Future
This policy change could have far-reaching implications. With many senior officials now ineligible to contest future elections or hold office, a new generation of administrators, including former athletes, sports scientists, and younger professionals, may now have a clearer pathway to leadership.
It could also improve Pakistan’s standing in international sports forums, where professional governance, transparency, and age diversity are increasingly seen as indicators of institutional maturity.
If implemented in both letter and spirit, this reform could trigger a ripple effect, inspiring provincial sports boards and associations to follow suit. It also aligns with global trends, where age limits are being introduced to ensure dynamic and adaptive leadership in sports organizations.
Conclusion
The PSB’s decision to limit the age of sports federation heads to 70 years marks a bold and progressive step toward reforming Pakistan’s troubled sports administration landscape. While the road to full implementation may face hurdles, particularly from entrenched interests, the direction is clear: the future of sports in Pakistan belongs to a new generation of transparent, capable, and dynamic leaders. And with this reform, the door is finally open.
Reference: کسی بھی اسپورٹس فیڈریشن کے سربراہ کی عمر 70سال سے زائد نہیں ہو گی
