A PSB Spokesperson, while referring to certain media impressions and reports, categorically clarified that PSB is not favouring any group, individual, or faction in the ongoing scrutiny process. The spokesperson stated that the scrutiny is being conducted strictly on merit, documentary evidence and verification criteria, and that any contrary impression is incorrect and misleading.
He emphasized that for the first time in Pakistan’s hockey election history, such a structured, verifiable and transparent scrutiny of clubs is being conducted which is unprecedented and is a direct outcome of the institutional reforms and transparency-driven governance measures introduced by the current Director General, PSB, Mr. Yasir Pirzada.
The Spokesperson further stated that PSB has initiated the scrutiny process on the basis of the record/data of existing clubs already submitted to the Standing Committee. The scrutiny is being conducted through a Committee comprising one PSB nominee (to be nominated district-wise) and one PHF nominee (which is Shahbaz Senior), supported by a defined process of data submission, scrutiny, rectification and finalisation.
During the initial screening, It has emerged that a total of 1,156 clubs were registered on the PHF website portal, out of which, prima facie, 883 clubs are qualified subject to physical verification, having a minimum of 14 players within the prescribed age bracket of 14 to 30 years. Whereas remaining 273 clubs are prima facie non-qualified due to having fewer than 14 players or players outside the prescribed age limits. In addition to this, PHF submitted a list of 85 districts in the Standing Committee that were eligible to vote in the Congress, based on the requirement of having five or more clubs as stipulated under the PHF Constitution. However, a comparison with the data available on the online club registration portal reveals that, out of these 85 districts, 19 districts have fewer than five registered clubs which means prima facie these 19 districts are ineligible to vote in the Congress. The spokesperson added that this development itself reflects the seriousness, impartiality and transparency of the scrutiny exercise
In continuation of the process, PSB will begin physical verification starting from Islamabad/Rawalpindi, from Saturday, 17th January 2026 at Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium, Islamabad.
After scrutiny, clubs identified with deficiencies or discrepancies will be given a chance to file an objection/appeal, preventing malicious or politically motivated complaints and keeping the process disciplined and fair. Any unresolved objection/appeal will be decided by a Panel of Adjudicators, already notified by the PSB.