5
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.
