PSB Passes New Directives to Counter Age Fraud in Youth Sports

In a decisive move to protect the credibility and fairness of youth sports, the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has introduced a comprehensive set of regulations aimed at tackling age fraud in under-21 competitions across the country.

Describing the practice as a “serious threat to fair competition, athlete safety, and the integrity of sporting structures,” the PSB has formally declared age fraud a violation under the Pakistan Code of Ethics and Governance in Sports, and adopted a zero-tolerance stance against a long-standing issue that has tainted junior-level events for years.

Age manipulation remains one of the most contentious issues in youth sports globally, not just in Pakistan. From falsified birth certificates to tampered documents, dishonest practices have allowed overage athletes to dominate competitions meant for younger, developing players, and depriving legitimate athletes of recognition and fair competition.

Under new directives, the PSB has made it mandatory for all under-21 athletes to submit their Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) or B-Form along with the names of the selection committee members, dental examination reports, and radiological age tests. These documents must be verified and signed by the president and secretary general of the concerned sports federation before submission to the PSB.

Importantly, only athletes with verified and accurate documentation will be eligible for selection in training camps or to receive financial assistance or performance-based awards going forward. The board warned of strict action against any athlete found guilty of submitting fake or suspicious documents, including disqualification from PSB activities and further disciplinary proceedings.

The PSB has previously faced criticism for lax oversight in domestic sports affairs, but these recent developments suggest a shift in approach. The new directive also echoes calls from the IOC and other global sporting bodies that have pushed for stronger age verification and greater accountability in sports governance across the world.

As Pakistan looks to rebuild trust in its sporting institutions and support its emerging talent, the PSB is hoping that the era of bending the rules at the youth level is coming to an end. The board’s new measures may not be universally popular, but they are necessary to protect the country from any accusations on the global stage.