August 20, 2008	Wednesday	Sha’aban 17, 1429

KARACHI, Aug 19: The Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association (PBSA) has served show cause notices to at least 10 ranking players for violating code of conduct by boycotting a national ranking tournament in Islamabad last week, dealing a severe blow to the game.

‘Yes they have been served with show cause notices to explain why they revolted against the PBSA,” its president Asghar Valika told Dawn on Tuesday.

He admitted that this was first time in the games history that players refused to compete in a ranking tournament by pulling out en bloc barring exceptions, demanding jobs and enhancement in prize money.

To a question, he cited couple of examples where he helped some players in getting employment apart from extending them lucrative cash incentives from time to time.

He regretted that the PBSA officials and PSB high-ups tried to pacify the players that their problems will be looked into, but in vain.

Meanwhile, Valika said he along with the PBSA secretary and treasurer was ready to take a break in accordance with the national sports policy.

“The matter will be placed before the executive committee which will also revise the PBSA constitution soon,” he said referring to reports that the government was determined to implement national sports policy in latter and spirit after Beijing Olympics.

The national sports policy bars key officials to retain their posts beyond two terms of four-year each.