PTF leadership stresses discipline and institutional respect amid controversies

TTS Report :

The Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) has issued a firm clarification regarding recent media reports surrounding team selections and internal policies, reiterating that all national representatives are chosen strictly on merit, based on national and international performance benchmarks.

PTF Senior Vice President Khawaja Suhail Iftikhar stated that the federation operates under policies consistent with international tennis bodies, where trial exemptions are granted only to players with proven long-term performance records, a system followed by leading tennis nations worldwide.

He confirmed that Davis Cup selection trials for the recent Paraguay tie were held in January 2025, with performance evaluations covering the previous three months. Huzaifa Rehman, Muzammal Murtaza, and Ahmed Nael qualified through trials, while senior players Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and Aqeel Khan were exempted on performance-based criteria, in line with long-standing PTF regulations.

“Institutional integrity must be protected above individual interests,” stated Khawaja Suhail. “No player is above policy, nor will any player be denied rightful recognition based on verified performance.”

He also cautioned against misleading narratives that threaten to undermine the federation’s ongoing reforms under its current administration. He added that appropriate action is being considered against individuals deliberately spreading misinformation rather than utilizing official communication channels.

Supporting the federation’s stance, Senator Salim Saifullah Khan, Vice President of the Asian Tennis Federation and Patron of PTF, emphasized that constructive criticism is welcome when made through proper forums, but public campaigns based on personal agendas only harm the sport.

“Pakistan tennis has made measurable progress in recent years, and continuity of governance is essential for that momentum,” he stated. “Stakeholders must act responsibly and encourage unity, not division.”

The wider tennis community has also called for strict disciplinary action against those repeatedly engaging in violations of federation protocols, urging that administrative order and respect for institutional processes must be upheld.

The PTF reiterated its commitment to transparent selection systems, structured athlete development, and disciplined governance, while appealing to all players, officials, and supporters to prioritize national interest over personal differences.