Pakistan’s Untapped SportsTech Potential: From Cricket Bats to Cutting-Edge Innovation
Tanveer Ahmed.
Islamabad:
When it comes to global sporting fame, Pakistan’s achievements tend to begin — and end — with cricket. But behind the scenes, the country has long been a powerhouse in sports manufacturing and textiles, producing everything from FIFA World Cup footballs to Olympic team kits.
Yet, the rise of large-scale manufacturing hubs in China and easier access to global supply chains elsewhere has squeezed local producers. What remains largely untapped, however, is an entirely new frontier — Pakistan’s Sports Technology (SportsTech) sector.
Pakistan’s young, tech-savvy population, strategic location, and fast-growing startup ecosystem present the perfect foundation for this industry. A McKinsey & Co. report noted that of the 720 tech startups launched since 2010, around 100 have successfully raised funding. While most of these successes lie in e-commerce, logistics, and mobility — such as Daraz’s $200 million acquisition by Alibaba, Bykea’s $5.7 million funding boost, and Airlift’s $24 million round — sports-focused startups are still rare.
Currently, the majority of so-called “SportsTech” ventures in Pakistan are simply content platforms, delivering news, interviews, and YouTube videos. True tech-driven sports innovation is harder to find. One exception is CricFlex, a wearable technology backed by the Ignite National Technology Fund. Developed to measure the legality of a bowler’s action, this smart sleeve has gained attention worldwide, offering a practical tool for coaches, players, and umpires alike.
CricFlex is a glimpse of what’s possible when Pakistan’s traditional manufacturing strengths meet modern technology. But it’s also one of the very few examples at a national level — and the industry needs far more of them.
While sports may not be at the top of Pakistan’s list of urgent challenges, their benefits extend far beyond the playing field. A thriving sports industry enhances the country’s soft image, attracts tourism, fuels job creation, and fosters healthier lifestyles. Technology could supercharge this growth:
- Virtual and Augmented Reality could allow grassroots athletes to test skills with players worldwide.
- Online coaching platforms could provide world-class training to teams and individuals without the need for expensive travel.
- Sports health tech could help athletes recover from injuries or improve performance, even in resource-limited settings.
The regional precedent is clear. In India, fantasy sports giant Dream11 has raised over $100 million and even secured the Indian Premier League title sponsorship. Pakistan could follow suit — but barriers remain. Foreign investment is limited, and the market lacks the large-scale government and private sector backing that such ventures need to thrive.
Still, the potential is enormous. With a wealth of engineering talent, a growing tech sector, and a nation passionate about sports, Pakistan could position itself as a SportsTech hub for South Asia. But the window won’t stay open forever. A coordinated push from policymakers, investors, and entrepreneurs could be the lifeline the country’s sports industry needs — and the spark that transforms it from a cricket-only nation to a global player in sports innovation.
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