PBBF suspends KBBA officials for misconduct

ISLAMABAD, May 20 (APP): The General Council of Pakistan Basketball Federation (PBBF) has suspended the president of Karachi Basketball Association (KBBA) and other officials for violations and misconduct.

The PBBF General Council suspended Ghulam Muhammad Khan, president of KBBA and other officials in a crucial move to maintain integrity and discipline in its ranks, a press release said.

These decisions were taken during the General Council meeting of Pakistan Basketball Federation chaired by PBBF President Brigadier General. (R) Iftikhar Mansoor here at the local hotel and was attended by everyone involved.

Ghulam, who also attended the meeting, accepted his mistakes, apologized and recommended Senior Vice President Muhammad Yaqoob as his interim successor. As part of this pivotal decision, the PBBF Council also ratified the establishment of an Audit Committee.

This body is tasked with evaluating the clubs in Karachi to pave the way for transparent elections within the next 90 days for the KBBA, followed by elections for the Sindh Basketball Association.

Further disciplinary action was taken against two KBBA officials, Zafar Iqbal and Zain Ul Abideen, who faced a three-year ban and a fine for serious misconduct and inappropriate behavior during the Divisional Basketball Championship Grade B in Quetta. Usman Paracha from Khanewal was banned for misrepresenting PBBF and misconduct. His case has been referred to the Multan Division Basketball Association for further action.

Three players of MEPCO, a subsidiary of Wapda, were suspended and fined for illegally impersonating themselves as part of the Multan Division Basketball Association during the All-Punjab SONA Basketball Tournament in Rahim Yar Khan. Similarly, a LESCO player was fined for offensive language and misconduct during the recent WAPDA Inter Unit Basketball Tournament.

Additional fines have been imposed on a player from LESCO, Rawalpindi, POF and Rangers for multiple violations of PBBF’s transfer guidelines.

These five players are ordered to submit affidavits reaffirming their commitment not to repeat such violations, with the stern warning that further violations could result in lifetime bans. Their current bans are conditional and can be lifted upon payment of the relevant fines.

PBBF has also finalized the calendar of activities and implementation of development programs for players, coaches, referees and statisticians in view of the upcoming South Asian Games in Pakistan.