Pakistan Tennis Federation Addresses Misleading Video Controversy

Following a recent Junior Davis Cup match between Pakistan and India, the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) has responded to what it describes as a smear campaign initiated by Indian media against a young Pakistani tennis player. The controversy stems from a video clip circulating on social media that the PTF claims is misleading and incomplete.

According to sources inside the PTF, the issue arose after India’s loss in the match. Criticism in Indian media targeted 15-year-old Mikaeel Ali Baig, focusing on his handshake with Indian players after the game.

The PTF, however, maintains that the complete video provides a contrasting account.

A PTF spokesperson stated, “Mikaeel was clearly frustrated with his own performance after losing the match, not with his opponents. The full footage reveals him telling his Indian competitor, ‘I’m not angry at you; I’m angry at myself.’”

The extended video also captures Mikaeel embracing his coach and becoming emotional post-match.

The PTF noted that coaches from both teams exchanged handshakes, and players from both countries posed for a group photograph, a detail omitted by Indian media outlets.

PTF President Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi voiced his disapproval of the Indian media’s reaction, deeming it an exaggerated narrative built on a short, misrepresented clip.

“This matter is being blown out of proportion unnecessarily,” Aisam stated. “There has been a pattern of similar behavior from Indian media over recent weeks. Viewing the full video makes it evident that Mikaeel was simply expressing disappointment with his own play.”

He added that Mikaeel’s mother congratulated the Indian player after the match, praising his performance, and that Pakistan’s captain, Shehzad Khan, was seen commending the Indian team in the full footage.

“I encourage the Indian Tennis Federation and media to examine the entire video and avoid making judgments based on a brief, deceptive clip,” Aisam urged. “If any inappropriate conduct had occurred, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) would have intervened, which was not the case.”

Hamza Ruman, a member of Pakistan’s U-16 Davis Cup team, echoed these sentiments, stating, “After the match concluded, our entire team approached the Indian players to congratulate them. Unfortunately, the clip showing this interaction was not broadcasted.”

“There were no unpleasant exchanges between the players. The story being presented is completely biased,” he concluded.