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After its worst-ever performance in the 32-nation seniors World Squash Team Championship in Germany last August—where we stood at 22nd position—Pakistan was saved from further humiliation when last week the World Squash Federation (WSF) lifted the one-year ban imposed on the Federation secretary Irfan Asghar. According to media reports, Asghar had made allegations against the world squash body and its president N. Ramanchandran claiming that they had delayed sending the visa letter to Pakistan Squash Federation for participation in the Junior world Squash Championship held in last July in Belgium. As a result, the under-19 team could not participate in the tournament. The allegation was of serious nature and after an inquiry the WSF found that the charges were unfounded, and Asghar was banned for one year from any involvement in the WSF activities. The PSF Secretary was barred from participating in WSF activities and he was also fined around 780 British Pound Sterling.

However, the PSF took the issue to the WSF’s panel of appeal, challenging the ban imposed on Asghar who repeatedly said he had issued no such statement against the WSF on the visa issue. Hence, the ban was lifted. Given this scenario, the Pakistan Squash Federation headed by the chief of the air staff Rao Qamar Suleman took the right decision to replace Asghar with the new honorary secretary Wing Commander Abdul Wahab Marwat. The world squash body president was informed about the replacement.

Asghar was also managing the team that finished at 22nd position in the senior World Team championship. The team at that point was without a coach who could have provided technical guidance to the players. Following the dismal performance, the PSF suspended Pakistan’s leading player Aamir Atlas Khan (then ranked 28th) for two years and banned him from competing in tournaments. However, this ban will have no bearing on Khan’s participation in the international tournaments since he is a member of the Professional Squash Association (PSA). He is competing in the PSA approved tournaments.

Former junior world championship runner-up Yasir Butt was also banned for one year while Waqar Mahboob got sixth months, but both of them are also PSA members and competing in international events.

However, now that Asghar has been cleared of all charges, it is only fair that the PSF revises its decision regarding the three players as well, and lift the ban on them. The players should be given warnings and asked to work with professional commitment.