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Thursday March 28, 2024

PM confirms overhauling PSB structure

By Abdul Mohi Shah
March 26, 2019

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan confirmed overhauling Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) structure rating the existing one as a department more interested in doling out jobs and salaries rather than working for the uplift of sports.

Talking to journalists Monday, the Prime Minister said that changes in the PSB structure would be made on the Task Force recommendations.“The Task Force on Sports was set up for the purpose. Required changes in the PSB administration and structure would be made to make it more effective and result oriented,” he said.

Criticising the existing sports system, Imran said that results were not coming. “Players who are financially supported and backed by the government fall on the first hurdle whenever they get a chance to compete in Olympics or other mega events. Majority of players even fail to qualify for the main event. A huge number of official accompany these players abroad.” Prime Minister hoped that changed system would inculcate fresh motivation for sports. “In a few years time you would see how the new system would bring results. No one in the region would be in a position to compete us.” The PM said a meeting would soon be convened to take decisions regarding sports related issues. “I have yet to meet Ehsan Mani recently. Once I meet him I would discuss all relevant sports issues according to Task Force findings.”

Imran Khan reiterated his stance of focusing on regional and city sports. “Look at the PSL 2019 winning Quetta Gladiators team. The team was given a grand and rousing welcome in Quetta despite the fact that there was no Quetta-based player in the team. The whole city came out to welcome them. Such is the value of city and regional cricket.” The Prime Minister again spoke high of available talent. “Talent is in abundance in every sphere of life. What lacks is the system that helps the talent flourish.” The News has learnt that the proposal, that is part and parcel of Task Force on Sports recommendation, is considered as step forward to initiate sports development on modern lines. The Task Force has already submitted its recommendations with the Ministry of Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) which had been working on pros and corns of the new system.

The Ministry is also seeking legal opinion on the new system before adopting it. “Task Force is contemplating raising a Sports Skill, Infrastructure and Educational Development Board which will be responsible for major games development on all fronts and in every knock and corner of the country.

The matter has been referred for legal opinion,” a source confirmed. The News has learnt that delay in announcing the system is more because of proposed changes in the PSB constitution. “The PSB and Ministry’s legal team is working on establishing new constitution that is the requirement for giving the PSB a new shape.”