HEC bans two universities after baseball final controversy

Islamabad: A women’s inter university baseball championship has become a major controversy after the Higher Education Commission (HEC) banned two Lahore based universities, their players and officials for one year over alleged violence and misconduct. However, affected students and some stakeholders are demanding a separate investigation, claiming that the complete facts of the incident have not been made public.

According to an HEC order issued on July 21, 2026, the University of the Punjab, Lahore and Lahore College for Women University (LCWU) have been suspended from participating in HEC/Pakistan University Sports Board (PUSB) women’s baseball activities for one year.

According to documents, HEC stated that the action was taken after “serious incidents of violence, physical altercation, indiscipline and misconduct” during and after the final match and closing ceremony of the HEC Intervarsity Women’s Baseball Championship 2025–26 held at the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), Islamabad.

The order also imposed a one year ban on team managers, coaches and accompanying officials, while players from both teams were barred from participating in HEC/PUSB sports events during the suspension period.

However, the decision has triggered criticism from some students and supporters, who are demanding an independent inquiry before any punishment is considered final. They questioned whether all sides were properly heard and whether complete evidence was reviewed before imposing the ban.

Students and representatives claimed that several issues surrounding the event require investigation, including security arrangements, availability of CCTV footage, alleged loss of personal belongings, and arrangements for students’ transport after the closing ceremony.

They alleged that students faced difficulties after the event ended, claiming that transport arrangements were delayed and some students had to wait late at night for vehicles. They also questioned why CCTV footage and other evidence were not made publicly available to clarify what exactly happened.

The students demanded that an independent investigation committee should be formed, all available evidence should be examined, and a detailed report should be presented publicly so that responsibility can be fixed fairly.

The controversy also raised questions about event management. Some stakeholders questioned the selection of the host arrangements and demanded clarity about the responsibilities assigned during the championship.

Meanwhile, HEC has maintained that disciplinary action was taken under Article 2.11.12 of the Pakistan University Sports Board Constitution and Rules, which allows action against teams, players or officials involved in violence during or after inter university championships.

The HEC order said the decision was approved by the competent authority and would be circulated to all public and private sector higher education institutions for implementation.

The matter has now become a test for sports governance in universities, with one side demanding strict action against indiscipline while the other demanding transparency and a fair investigation before deciding the future of students involved.

HEC’s version was also sought regarding the matter. The HEC media team was contacted for its official response and comments on the allegations raised by students and stakeholders. However, at the time of filing this report, no response, clarification, or additional version had been received from HEC. The story will be updated if HEC provides further information or its official position on the issue.