Pak int’l squash circuit begins from 8th

ISLAMABAD: In what is expected to be the busiest of international squash circuit in Pakistan, the season 2018-19 springs into action with men and women events to be staged in Islamabad from May 8-13.

Group Captain Tahir Sultan, secretary Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) confirmed to The News that men event carrying prize money of $ 10,000 and women event with the prize money of $ 5,000 would be staged in Islamabad. “This is the first of back to back three events to be staged in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi. Following Islamabad Circuit I event, Circuit II event will be staged in Lahore in July followed by Circuit III event of the same prize money in Karachi in August.”

These events which have been given international status by the Professional Squash Association (PSA) are more for local consumption. “Though there is no bar on international players participation in these tournaments, the local players would be the main beneficiaries from these events.”

The PSF has been given go ahead to organize high prize money events in Lahore and Karachi apart from the capital city that has already been staging such events.The PSF secretary said that these tournaments would be just a beginning as the federation was already in consultation with PSA and World Squash Federation (WSF) for more international events for the coming season. “These three evens could well prove just a beginning in what is expected to be the busiest season in the PSF history.

Encouraging development for Pakistan squash is that PSA has allowed the country to host as many events as the federation likes in the prize money ranging from $ 20, 000 to $ 70,000. “Earlier, the PSA has pulled back the option of holding higher prize money events. Following recent efforts, negotiations and exchanges, the PSA has allowed Pakistan to host as many events as it likes.

“We are planning to host over 14 international events ranging from $ 5000 to $ 70,000 this season. Apart from three which we are announcing today, we believe we would get the hosting rights of about eleven more events including three more of the same prize money more to cater the needs of local players who need to improve their ranking. The negotiation with the PSA is already under way as every federation needs to finalise the formalities with the international body before announcing dates and timing. There are so many international events going on around the world. What you need is a window in between. That is why we have to seek PSA permission before giving Pakistan circuit a final shape.”

Previously security was the main issue for the PSA with recent surveys clearing all the doubts.Pakistan has already been maintaining high standard of security for all the sporting events including cricket and squash. The PSA has conducted independent security recently alongside Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches held in Lahore and Karachi. “The independent security has cleared Karachi and Lahore, provided security measures remains the same that was there during PSL matches.”