LONDON: The Professional Squash Association (PSA) has confirmed the sanctioning of two PSA World Tour events in Pakistan in December following their decision to lift a ban imposed in February 2017 which prevented the country from hosting international Tour events due to security concerns.
Both a men’s tournament, offering a $50,000 prize fund, and a women’s event, offering a $25,000 prize fund, will be sanctioned in Islamabad in December and these events will be under the strict supervision of the PSA’s security consultants, Sports Risk.
Any sanctioning of future PSA World Tour events in Pakistan will be dependent on the execution and the security of the tournament in December.
"We believe that sanctioning these tournaments in December will be a great first step to the reinstatement of professional squash tournaments in Pakistan," said PSA chief executive Alex Gough.
"The decision to impose the ban on Pakistan was made after extensive consultation with Sports Risk in relation to security issues but we are now satisfied that there are no immediate security concerns.
"Pakistan has a rich squash heritage and has provided some of the greatest squash players of all time, with the likes of Jahangir and Jansher Khan making Pakistan a force to be reckoned with on the world stage. We look forward to welcoming Pakistan to the international scene once again."
Pakistan’s six-time world champion Jahangir Khan said: "I’m delighted to hear the wonderful news that high-calibre PSA international men’s and women’s squash events will be held in Pakistan once again in what is sure to bring about a revival of squash in Pakistan.
"I am sure that the decision will be a great boost to Pakistan squash and to our younger, up-and-coming players across both genders, who will have the opportunity to watch and learn from top-class players from around the world.
"I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to the PSA board of directors for trusting the Pakistan Squash Federation to hold the event towards the end of the year and wish everyone the best of luck in putting on a successful tournament."
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