Victorious Pakistani snooker team disappointed with government attitude

KARACHI: Victorious Pakistan snooker team returned home early Saturday after winning the IBSF World Snooker Championship in Egypt.

The team, who were holding holding glittering trophies in their hands, were received by officials of Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association at Karachi airport. However, not a single government official was present on the occasion.

The victorious Pakistan team comprises Muhammad Asif and Babar Masih, who won the title after beating countrymen Muhammad Sajjad and Asjad Iqbal in the final as both the finalist teams were from Pakistan — a first in the history of snooker.

The players were disappointed with the government attitude for being neglected.

"Forget them announcing anything, the government officials didn't even say anything to congratulate the players," said Alamgir Sheikh, co-chairman of PBSA.

The victorious players yet still expressed commitment to win more titles for Pakistan.

The snooker player were found complaining about the disparity created by the government and disappointed by the people of Pakistan.

"When the cricket team won the Champions Trophy, everyone was here to welcome them, everyone announced rewarding for them, but nothing of that sort has been done for us, which is disappointing," said Muhammad Asif, who has now five major titles in snooker for the country.

"It is disappointing, yet we are committed to bring more laurels for the country," he said.

Pakistan has won three major snooker titles in a span of just two months. Cueists wearing green blazers earlier won World U18 and Asian 6 reds title.

"I request the government to pay attention to snooker the way it pays attention to cricket or other sports," said Muhammad Sajjad, who was runner up in team championship and won Asian 6 reds earlier.

"This step-motherly treatment will demoralise snooker players and push performers to oblivion," he added.