PTF imposes fine, ban on top tennis player over misconduct

KARACHI: Just a day after winning prestigious Federal Cup, the country’s number one tennis player received 25% cut in match fee, a six-month ban, 1.5 lac rupees fine and warnings over misconduct.

It has been learnt that Pakistan Tennis Federation imposed a ban of six months on Muhammad Shoaib along with fine of Rs 1.5 lac, no entry in the premises of PTF, anger management course, and severe disciplinary actions in future.

A letter of PTF, copy of which is available with ‘The News’, addressed to M Shoaib issued on Monday stated that “The Management of the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) has taken serious notice of the unfortunate incident that took place on 21st May, 2025 during the Federal Cup National Ranking Tennis Championship at the PTF tennis courts.

“It was established through multiple eyewitnesses including players, parents, coaches, and tournament organizers, that you were involved in a serious act of misconduct. This included hurling abusive language, using obscene and obnoxious words, and physically assaulting Mr. Amjad Niazi (parent of Talha and Huzaifa) with your racket, causing him multiple injuries.

“Given the gravity of this incident. the Disciplinary Committee of the Islamabad Tennis Association (ITA) conducted a detailed inquiry. Testimonies were recorded from Mr. Amjad Niazi, Talha Khan, Yousaf Khalil, and yourself.

“Based on the findings of the inquiry committee of ITA, the President PTF convened the PTF Disciplinary Committee on 25th May, 2025 to further probe/investigate and recommend appropriate action. It also came to light during the inquiry that this is not the first instance of such unbecoming behavior on your part.

“Previous incidents have already caused significant embarrassment to the management of the PTF. In this particular case, your decision to get involved and escalate the situation is beyond comprehension and entirely uncalled for.”

In the light of the said observation the PTF Disciplinary Committee recommended a number of actions against M Shoaib which included Rs. 1.5 lacs fine on misconduct, six-month ban on participation in national and international tournaments, and no entry in the PTF premises during the ban period.

Also, the PTF stated that in case of default of fine the ban for one year will be imposed while anger management course should be undertaken by the player and certificate to this effect should be submitted to PTF before the end of ban period.

“The ban period will start w.e.f May 25, 2025. This letter is being forwarded for strict compliance, and it must be clearly understood that any future misconduct - whether directly or indirectly - will result in more severe disciplinary actions. This is issued with the approval of the President PTF,” stated Secretary PTF Zia Tufail in the said letter.

When contacted, M Shoaib stated that this ban was highly disappointing and completely unjustified. “The person [Amjad Niazi] I had fight with according to PTF was actually the one who slapped me in the first place when I asked him to control one of his sons who scuffled with two of my fellow players one day before the incident.

“But instead of chiding his son the man slapped me and then we had a brief fight. Even then I apologised to that person in the evening and the referee was aware of all this,” said Shoaib, adding that the referee then told me that 25% of my match fee will be deducted and I agreed, hence the issue got settled.

“Yet, the president PTF went further with this case and formed a committee which imposed such harsh punishment on me. At the time when I am at my career’s peak, this restriction of not featuring in national and international events is very harsh.

“It is not justified to ban the country’s top player who had already faced a cut of 25% match fee. This ban is a double blow to me because I will be the top contender for the national team that is to play Davis Cup against Paraguay in the coming months and we have good chances of winning that tie,” said Shoaib.

He said that the PTF should have banned that person and his sons who were twice involved in scuffle with the country’s best players during that event, but the PTF president had different perception on this issue.

“I will now have discussion with my family and coaches to decide what to do against this unjustified ban. I hope better sense prevails and PTF takes back this very damaging decision,” concluded Shoaib.