ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has issued a notice to the Pakistan Federation Baseball (PFB) for fielding a team in an international event in Chinese Taipei last month without securing the mandatory No-Objection Certificate (NOC).

In a letter addressed to PFB secretary general Syed Fakhar Ali Shah, the PSB directed the federation to furnish a detailed written explanation within seven days. “Your prompt and comprehensive response is required to enable the PSB to take appropriate action in this matter,” the notice read.

The board observed that Pakistan’s participation in the August event amounted to a “direct breach of PSB rules which require obtaining of NOC” and termed it “gross negligence, disregard for official protocol, and a failure to uphold the responsibilities entrusted to national sports federations.”

The PSB further noted that the PFB had previously submitted forged documents regarding its participation in the same event in 2024 — a matter already under investigation by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). “These actions demonstrate a repeated pattern of misconduct and misrepresentation, further underscoring the gravity of this case,” the letter stated.

The notice also warned that non-compliance could result in suspension of the federation’s operations and legal proceedings. “In light of the seriousness of these violations, non-compliance with the directives shall render the federation liable to suspension of its operations and initiation of legal proceedings, as deemed appropriate by the competent authority,” it said.

PFB secretary general Fakhar could not be reached for comment.

Published in Dawn, September 20th, 2025