Squash legend Jahangir Khan – APP (File Photo)

KARACHI: Squash legend Jahangir Khan lashed out at the sport's authorities in Pakistan on Thursday calling on them to quit after the team slid to their worst-ever performance in the World Squash Championships.

The six-time champions lost to Malaysia and Denmark in the group stages of the event in Padeborn, Germany, marking the first time they have failed to clear the first round since its inception in 1967.

“It's shameful to see Pakistan failing to clear the first round,” Khan told AFP. “I think all those who are running the game in the country are not competent of that and professionals should come and build a proper set-up.”

Pakistan ruled the game through Khan and his contemporary Jansher Khan in the 1980s and 1990s, with Jahangir winning a world record ten British open titles and six world opens, while Jansher's notched eight world and six British titles.

But since Jahangir Khan's retirement after Pakistan's last world team title in 1993, there has been a gradual slide, with the team finishing a lowly 12th in 1999.

“After failing to get into the top 16 this time we will finish at our worst but I don't see any drastic measures taken,” said Khan, also a former World Squash Federation president.

Khan said Pakistan's squash federation the players deserved equal blame.

“I must say that all those who are running the game in Pakistan must leave their posts because they lack sincerity and planning,” he said.

Opinion

Editorial

‘Source of terror’
29 Mar, 2024

‘Source of terror’

ALTHOUGH dealing with the presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan is a major political, security and strategic...
Chipping in
29 Mar, 2024

Chipping in

FEDERAL infrastructure development schemes are located in the provinces. Most such projects — for instance,...
Toxic emitters
29 Mar, 2024

Toxic emitters

IT is concerning to note that dozens of industries have been violating environmental laws in and around Islamabad....
Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...