In a move that has stunned fans and rattled the professional snooker world, Barry Hawkins, long considered one of the sport’s most consistent and respected players, has been banned from the national snooker team with immediate effect. The decision, confirmed earlier today by the sport’s governing body, comes amid an ongoing internal investigation into alleged breaches of conduct, the details of which remain closely guarded.
Hawkins, 46, has been a fixture on the professional snooker scene for over two decades, renowned for his calm demeanor, sharp strategic play, and impressive track record, which includes reaching the final of the World Snooker Championship in 2013 and multiple ranking titles. His sudden exclusion from the team has left fans bewildered and sparked widespread speculation about the nature of the incident that led to such a dramatic fall from grace.
A brief statement released by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) read:
*”Barry Hawkins has been suspended from participating in team activities and official events pending the outcome of an ongoing disciplinary process. The WPBSA is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in the sport. No further comment will be made at this time.”*
Sources close to the situation, speaking under condition of anonymity, suggest that the decision may relate to a breach of the WPBSA’s code of conduct, potentially involving betting irregularities or unauthorized interactions with individuals banned from the sport. However, these claims have not been officially substantiated.
Hawkins himself has not issued a formal public response, though a representative stated that he is “shocked and deeply disappointed” by the decision and is cooperating fully with the investigation. “Barry has always prided himself on his professionalism and love for the game. He intends to clear his name and return to competition as soon as possible,” the representative said.
Reaction from the snooker community has been swift and mixed. Fellow professionals have expressed their surprise, with several players taking to social media to voice their support. “Can’t believe what I’m hearing. Barry’s always been one of the good guys,” tweeted one top-ranked player. Others have called for patience, urging fans and media alike to avoid jumping to conclusions until the facts are known.
Fans, meanwhile, are grappling with the news, many expressing frustration at the lack of transparency. Forums and fan pages have lit up with debate, with some defending Hawkins and others demanding full disclosure from the WPBSA. “We deserve to know what happened. This isn’t just about Barry — it’s about trust in the sport,” wrote one long-time fan.
The timing of the ban could not be worse for the national team, which is preparing for several key international fixtures, including the upcoming Snooker Nations Cup. Hawkins’ absence leaves a significant gap in both experience and leadership, raising questions about team performance and morale.
While the snooker world waits for clarity, the incident has already sparked broader conversations about the governance of the sport, the pressures on top athletes, and the importance of maintaining public confidence in its integrity.
As the investigation unfolds, all eyes will remain on both the WPBSA and Barry Hawkins. Whether this turns out to be a momentary setback or a career-defining controversy remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that one of snooker’s most respected figures is now at the center of an unexpected and dramatic chapter in the sport’s history.