An Analysis of Sports Financial Management Practices in Pakistan: Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

This study examines financial management practices in Pakistan’s sports federations, identifying major challenges and emerging opportunities for reform. Employing a convergent mixed-methods design, it combines data from audited accounts, budget reports, questionnaire surveys, and semi-structured interviews with finance officers, sponsors, and regulators. Results show moderate strengths in budget planning and internal controls but significant weaknesses in procurement transparency, public disclosure, and uptake of performance-linked funding. Larger federations outperform smaller ones, reflecting disparities in capacity and resources. Qualitative findings reveal persistent barriers—including limited financial expertise, political interference, and fragmented oversight—while also highlighting the potential of digital transparency platforms, public–private partnerships, and capacity-building initiatives to improve governance and accountability. Overall, the study underscores that while recent reforms such as the Sports Funding Regulations 2025 have laid important groundwork, stronger enforcement, standardized procedures, and diversified revenue streams are critical to achieving transparent, sustainable, and equitable financial management across Pakistan’s sports sector.

Keywords: Sports financial management; transparency; accountability; Pakistan Sports Board; public–private partnerships; capacity building; performance-based funding