Pakistan Sport Knowledge Cluster
Introduction

The proposed forum aims to spearhead the creation and development of a vibrant sport ecosystem in Pakistan. Despite the country's rich sporting potential, particularly in cricket, hockey, soccer, and squash, the overall infrastructure and support for diverse sport disciplines remain underdeveloped. This forum will serve as a crucial platform for addressing these gaps, enabling strategic dialogue, and promoting systematic changes that enhance sport education, infrastructure, and public engagement across the nation.

Additionally, this forum will provide an opportunity to foster the development of sport related academic research in Pakistan. This initiative recognizes the transformative power of sport in fostering national unity, improving public health, promoting gender equality, and stimulating economic growth. By convening leaders from various sectors, including government, academia, and the private sector, the forum seeks to harness collective expertise and resources to uplift Pakistan's sport landscape, making it inclusive and competitive on a global scale.

Vision Statement

To create an inclusive and globally competitive sport ecosystem in Pakistan, fostering unity, health, equality, and economic growth through innovation, education, and collaboration.

Mission Statement

The Pakistan Sport Knowledge Cluster seeks to:

  • Bridge gaps in sport infrastructure, education, and engagement.
  • Foster collaboration among government, academia, and the private sector.
  • Promote sport research and evidence-based reforms.
  • Enhance accessibility and competitiveness across diverse sport.
  • Leverage sport to drive societal and economic progress.
Activities & Objectives

Strategic Dialogue: Facilitate stakeholder discussions to shape comprehensive sport development policies.

Public-Private Partnerships: Promote private sector investment in sport facilities and events.

Academic Programs: Develop specialized courses in sport marketing for undergraduate and graduate levels.

Career Opportunities: Strengthen industry connections to provide internships, job placements, and practical learning experiences through events and workshops.

Flagship Events: Organize summits featuring industry leaders, panel discussions, workshops, and competitions to inspire innovation and foster networking.

Inclusive sport: Ensure equal access to sport opportunities across gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic divides.

sport Education & Talent Development: Implement training programs for coaches, athletes, and administrators to nurture talent.

Research & Insights: Collect and analyze data on sport participation, funding, and performance to inform policy and drive evidence-based decisions.

Global Collaboration: Partner with international academic institutions and sport organizations to share knowledge, conduct joint research, and adopt global best practices.

Our Founders

Dr. Nida Aslam Khan

Dr. Nida is a faculty member at IBA and the lead of Pakistan Sport Knowledge Cluster with a DBA in International Marketing. She works to enhance sport infrastructure, education, and policy by uniting government, academia, and industry.

Her initiatives-workshops, lectures, and internships-equip future marketers with skills to drive economic growth, public health, and gender equality through sport. Dr. Khan's efforts aim to transform Pakistan’s sport landscape into an inclusive, innovative, and thriving ecosystem.

Kiran Sardar Kohati

Kiran Sardar Kohati, a marketing expert with 20+ years of experience, has excelled in brand management and customer experience. As HBL's former Head of Brand Experience, she elevated the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) into a premier sporting event through strategic media and marketing initiatives.

Beyond sport marketing, she has led marketing teams at Millac Foods, Interflow Group, and other major firms, driving success in strategic planning, media, and brand development. Currently, she shares her expertise as visiting faculty at IBA Karachi.

Salman Sarwar Butt

Salman Sarwar Butt is an experienced Retail Banking Professional with a career spanning Pakistan and Indonesia. He has held C-suite roles at Citibank N.A., ABN AMRO, Royal Bank of Scotland, and NIB, including Group Head of Retail & Consumer Banking. Currently, he is the CEO of Green Peak International Pvt. Ltd. (GPI), a consulting and HR services firm in the financial sector. Salman led the successful 2003/04 ABN AMRO sponsorship of PCB's Domestic Cricket, launching the first National T20 Tournament.

He has also served as a Consultant and Managing Director for PCB, launching the successful and globally acclaimed Pakistan Super League in 2015.

Dr. Umer Hussain

Dr. Umer Hussain is an Assistant Professor of Sport Management at Wilkes University, PA, specializing in sport marketing, consumer behavior, and diversity in sport. He earned his Ph.D. from Texas A&M University, focusing on sport and cultural dynamics.

His research, published in leading journals, examines cultural influences on sport participation and strategies for inclusivity. Beyond academia, Dr. Hussain consults on projects promoting diversity and equitable practices in sport management.