My career is not over with this ban, asserted Aamir Atlas.—AFP photo

ISLAMABAD: Banned player Aamir Atlas Khan on Friday hit back at the Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF), saying he can continue to feature in Professional Squash Association matches since the ban would have no effect on his international commitments.

The Pakistan Squash Federation has handed over a two-year ban to Aamir Atlas Khan alongside two other players, Yasir Butt and Waqar Mahboob, for their dismal performance which led them to finish at No 22 in the World Men’s Team Championship, held in August this year in Paderborn, Germany.

According to the information shared with the media by the federation, the action was taken on the report of the team manager, Wing Cdr Irfan Asghar, who presented his report to the committee in which related video recordings of the games were presented and analysed in detail.

Subsequently, all players were also given a chance to clarify their position in an eight-hour session.

“The PSA is a professional body and I have a membership registered with them and I will continue playing for Pakistan,” Aamir told Dawn.

Aamir joined the professional squash arena in 2002 and touched his highest ranking of world No.14 in Sept 2009. Currently, Aamir, who is at No. 2 in the national circuit, is ranked in the world at No. 28.

The banned player was instrumental in winning team gold medal and individual silver medal at the 2010 Asian Games held in Guangzhou, China.

Regarding the dismal performance in Germany which has forced the federation’s elite panel impose the ban on players, he said: “Matches were neither fixed nor we had any fight with anyone [official or players] leading to the poor show in Germany. Winning or losing is part of any sport.”

Aamir insisted: “I have not received anything in writing and will not come out all open against anyone till I get some communication in writing from the federation.

“The federation is yet to provide me the copy of charges which led to this stark decision.”

“My career is not over [with this ban],” asserted Aamir, who was also handed over a ban by the PSF some two months back.

He was barred from appearing in any of the local tournaments.