Islamabad, Oct 26 (NationPress) The uproar from Pakistan’s basketball community regarding the alleged favouritism and absence of transparency in the selection process for the Singapore tournament highlights a continuing pattern of administrative failures in sports within the country. Reports indicate that deserving players have been overlooked, igniting widespread outrage, according to a recent report.

In Pakistan, the realm of sports suffers significantly as internal politics, egos, and personal connections often overshadow merit. Basketball is not an isolated case; similar claims have arisen concerning cricket boards, hockey federations, and athletic councils, as reported by Pakistan-based The Nation.

Persistent mismanagement, trivial turf battles, and the arrogance of officials have become entrenched in the sports sector. Many governing bodies seem more interested in preserving their own power rather than fostering talent, resulting in disillusioned athletes and lost potential.

Pakistan’s sports environment continues to falter due to the incompetence of those responsible for its advancement—not due to a lack of talent. The failures in administration not only crush the aspirations of athletes but also hinder national performance on the international stage, as highlighted in a report by The Nation.

As reported, “When selection rooms transform into battlegrounds of personal grudges instead of professional evaluation, Pakistan suffers more than just losses; it loses its credibility. The basketball controversy, like many past instances, emphasizes a fundamental truth: until sporting organizations are governed with integrity, accountability, and professionalism, Pakistan’s athletes will remain sidelined while others excel globally.”

In July, the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) announced an inquiry committee to probe “serious irregularities” during the FISU World University Games 2025 in Germany, including concerning reports of two missing athletes, local media disclosed.

The PSB stated that the participation of Pakistani athletes faced “significant administrative shortcomings,” including “lack of transparency in selecting team officials, discipline issues, logistical failures, and the alarming disappearance of two student-athletes,” as reported by Pakistan’s leading daily, Dawn.

According to the Higher Education Commission (HEC), various “failures” were noted, such as “two student-athletes reported missing or suspected of fleeing during the event,” as per the Dawn report. The selection of team officials—most of whom were affiliated with the HEC—raised serious questions about the transparency and merit of their appointments.