Pakistan to feature in World Team Squash after six years

KARACHI: After skipping the 2019 and 2023 editions, Pakistan is to participate in the 2024 edition of WSF Men’s World Team Squash Championship that is to be held in Hong Kong, China, from December 9-15.

According to the entry list, Egypt are the defending champions while other teams include Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, England, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Kuwait, Macau, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Scotland, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, and USA.

Pakistan skipped the 2023 edition of the championship held in in Tauranga, New Zealand, and also the 2019 edition. The reason behind skipping the two editions of this prestigious championship was unavailability of good players and low chances of winning (or even finishing well) the event.

Besides this championship, Pakistan also skipped British Open, Asian Individual Championship, and PSA World Championship last year. Legendary squash player Qamar Zaman termed the financial crisis of Pakistan Squash Federation the key reason behind skipping the two editions of this championship.

However, he said that the country’s representation at such big events is very important regardless of the achievements of the players. The WSF AGM will also take place during the championships, on 14 December, where the Presidential and Vice Presidential elections will take place. It is pertinent to mention here that the championship was not held for three years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.