Circuit-I squash events in capital from 8th

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

Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) Secretary Group Captain Tahir Sultan told ‘The News’ that the men’s event will carry prize money of $10,000 while the women’s tournament has a purse of $5,000.

“This is the first of three back-to-back events to be staged in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi. Following Circuit-I event in Islamabad, Circuit-II tournament will be staged in Lahore in July followed by the Circuit-III event with same prize money in Karachi in August.”

The tournaments — given international status by the Professional Squash Association — will be contested by local players.“Though there is no bar on participation of international players, local players will be the main beneficiaries,” Group Captain Tahir said.

The PSF has been given go-ahead to organise high prize money events in Lahore and Karachi besides Islamabad that has already been staging such tournaments.The PSF secretary said 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 in the coming season.

Encouraging development for Pakistan squash is that the 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 had pulled back the option of holding higher prize money events.

“We are planning to host over 14 international events ranging from $5000 to $70,000 this season. “Apart from the three which we are announcing today, we believe we will get the hosting rights of about 11 more tournaments including three more of the same prize money to cater the needs of local players who need to improve their rankings.

“Negotiations with the PSA are already underway as every federation needs to finalise the formalities with the international body before announcing dates. There are so many international events going on around the world. What we need is a window in between those events. That is why we have to seek PSA’s permission before giving Pakistan circuit a final shape.”In the past, 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 conducted an independent security review recently alongside Pakistan Super League matches held in Lahore and Karachi.