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Monday July 14, 2025

Four-member Pakistan team ready for IBSF snooker event in Bahrain

Squad blends veteran skill with promising youth, each bringing proven success at global tournaments

By Faizan Lakhani
July 01, 2025
A representational image of a snooker game.— The News/File
A representational image of a snooker game.— The News/File 

A four-player snooker team from Pakistan will represent the country at the upcoming IBSF World Championships in Manama, Bahrain, from 13 to 24 July 2025. 

Competing across Under-17, Under-21, Masters, and Six Red Men’s formats, the team blends veteran skill with promising youth, each bringing proven success at global tournaments.

Leading the charge is Muhammad Asif, a decorated snooker player who has previously won the IBSF World Snooker Championship in 2012 (Bulgaria), 2019 (Turkey) and 2022 (Qatar), along with multiple Asian and national titles. He will participate in the Masters and Six Red events, bringing his wealth of experience to the tournament.

Joining him is Shahid Aftab, another seasoned competitor and current national snooker champion who secured a bronze medal in the 3rd Asian Team Snooker Championship (2015, Iran). Aftab, known for his consistency and clean potting, will also compete in the Masters and Six Red categories.

On the youth front, Ahsan Ramzan, who won the Asian Under-21 Snooker Championship 2023 in Iran, will represent Pakistan in the Under-21 event. Ahsan also won the IBSF World Snooker Championship in Qatar in 2021.

Muhammad Hasnain Akhtar, the newest sensation, will participate in both the Under-17 and Under-21 events. The 16-year-old recently made headlines by winning the Asian Under-21 Snooker Championship (2024, Saudi Arabia), showcasing his rapid rise in the sport.

Naveed Kapadia, Secretary of the Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association (PBSA), will accompany the team as manager and referee.