KARACHI, April 9: Financial constraints compelled Pakistan to pull out from the Asian Under-21 Snooker Championship which commenced in Kish Island, Iran, on Saturday.

“The two Iran bound players and an official could not board the flight on Friday as Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association (PBSA) failed to receive the promised cheque of Rs2,50,000 from the PSB,” a dejected PBSA president Alamgir Shaikh told a press conference at Karachi Club.

Secretary of the PBSA, Munawwar Shaikh, was also present.

Hamza Akbar and Agha Bilawal, the Punjab and Sindh junior champions respectively, were to represent the country in the competition as this year’s national junior championship which forms selection criteria has been deferred due to other pressing committments.

The PBSA official pointed out that he had written a number of letters to all those who matters in Islamabad but to no avail.

“It’s great disappointment that Pakistan has pulled out from the event after confirming entry. We request you to send at least one player so that the flag of brotherly Muslim country should be hoisted,” he quoted a communication from Iranian counterpart.

The PBSA chief cautioned that Pakistan participation in the coming Asian Snooker Championship was also in jeopardy.

The event takes place in the Indian city of Indore later this month.

“Despite writing several letters to the high ups, we are waiting to get NOC from our Ministry of Interior and the required funds to send three players including last year’s runner up Mohammad Sajjad,” he added.

He said the cricket World Cup fever has been over but the smaller games including snooker were suffering due to the government apathy.

Alamgir disclosed that he had written separate letters to the president and prime minister which envisaged 20-year shining record of the baize game in global competitions.

He also spoke on the lack of infra structure, proposed academies in Karachi and Lahore and plans to get affiliation with the POA.