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KARACHI: Legendary squash player Jahangir Khan on Friday criticised the Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) for not sending a team to the ongoing Mixed World Cup of Squash which is being held under the auspices of World Squash Federation (WSF).
“Pakistan is not a small name in squash and I don't really understand why they haven't sent a team to the Mixed World Cup. Even minnows such as Sri Lanka and Mexico are featuring in the event but a giant of the game like Pakistan is missing.
“Top professional players are competing in the World Cup and the event is also offering good prize money. It is a big event and is happening right in our neighbouring country India, so I think we should have been participating in the event,” said Jahangir.
Meanwhile, leading squash player Farhan Mehboob also lamented Pakistan's absence in the World Cup. Ranked No 2 in the country, Farhan believed Pakistan would have done well had the team participated in the event.
“It is a biennial event and players want to participate in such a big event as it is an honour for them to represent their country,” said Farhan. “I am very dejected by the fact that we haven't participated in this event.”
He noted that Malaysia, who had now qualified for the semifinals of the ongoing World Cup, were beaten thrice in events such as Asian Senior Championship, World Team Championship and recently in the Asian Games.
“If they reach semis, then I think we also have the talent to reach the top,” said the left-handed squash player while expressing his annoyance over Pakistan absence.
He further alleged that head coach Jansher Khan may have influenced the PSF to decide against participating in the World Cup.
“I am sure Jansher must have told the federation that it wouldn't be any to good send us to the World Cup. I would like to ask him how did his junior team fare? They even lost to lowly-ranked India,” said Farhan angrily.
“The federation wanted to send us to the World Cup but Jansher convinced them against it,” he said. —PPI
