KARACHI: The Pakisrtan Billiards and Snooker Federation (PBSF) has done away with the monthly remuneration to top eight ranking cueists (men’s) and top six (juniors) for over a year, Dawn learnt on Wednesday.

The information that was kept secret by the game’s controlling body, surfaced when this correspondent enquired from the top official whether the dues of players have been cleared or not.

“The practice that was introduced about a decade back has been suspended due to financial constraints,” the PBSF President Munawwar Hussain Shaikh said.

It may be mentioned that the top ranking player used to get Rs 12,000, second Rs 10,000 and third to eight Rs 8,000 per month. Similarly, the top six juniors get Rs 8,000 monthly.

Meanwhile, according to Munawwar, PBSF has sought confirmation of dates from the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) for the second ranking competition.

The PBSF plans to resume the domestic activities after five-month suspension due to Covid-19 pandemic as the government has opened sporting activities.

“The NBP Cup will help top players to prepare for the back-to-back world events being held at Doha in November,” he added.

He went on to say that managing committee meeting of the PBSF will be convened soon to decide the strength of Pakistan team for Doha competition.

Doha will host World U-19, U-21, IBSF men’s, women’s, master’s and world 6-Reds and Team Event for men and women. The dates and relevant details are expected to be finalised in the online executive committee meeting ff IBSF on Saturday.

He feared that government grant of Rs2.0m may become insufficient for sending strong team to Doha.

Published in Dawn, August 13th, 2020