ISLAMABAD Deteriorating law and order situation has forced the Professional Squash Association (PSA) to suspend five international events which were scheduled to be held in Pakistan at different venues this year.
An official of Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) told Dawn on Tuesday 'PSF was scheduled to host five international PSA tournaments with prize money ranging from US$12000 to US$80,000 but due to prevailing precarious environment all sports including squash have been adversely affected.'
Several international sports events have been cancelled after sports organizations and players refused to travel to Pakistan citing security concerns.
The country's sports suffered a major setback when the visiting Sri Lankan cricket team was attacked by the terrorists in Lahore on March three this year compelling the visiting team to return back to their country without completing the cricket series.
The official added that the cancellation of PSA tours in the country would deprive around 2000 local players the chance to rub their shoulders with international players.
'The junior development programme 2011 will not be affected despite cancellation of PSA sanctioned tournaments.'
Commenting on the assurances given to the PSA for its tournaments, he said 'We have assured them top level security for PSA events and are in contact with the officials.'
The official informed 'The registration of a couple of PSA tournaments (COAS International planned in April, 09 and President PSF International in May, 09) has not been done because of the security concerns however the federation is in continuous touch with PSA and convincing them to allow a PSA's event in Pakistan.'
The official pointed out 'The international body has informed that the matter will again be discussed during their board meeting planned on May 14-15.'
He said 'The global economic recession has also reduced the international tournaments during the current calendar year' adding 'there is no big international event in the next three months except CIMB Malaysia Open slated to be held in July with prize money of US$ 50,000.'
The PSF tournaments affected due to the prevailing condition are
COAS Open Squash Championship (Men & Women) salted to be held in May 9-15 at Mushaf Squash Complex - Islamabad with prize money of Rs 500,000.
National Junior Squash Championship May 13-17, at Peshawar for U-11 and U-13 age categories with prize money of Rs 50,000.
CAS National Junior Squash Championship May 20-15, at Peshawar for U-11, U-13, U-15, U-17 and U-19 age categories with a prize money of Rs400,000.
NWFP National Squash Championship June (2nd week) at Abbottabad.
Punjab Open (Men & Women) Squash Championship July 04 - 09 at Lahore.
Punjab National Junior Squash Championship (Boys & Girls) July 11 - 17 at Lahore for U-11, U-13, U-15, U-17 and U-19 age categories.
DG Rangers National Junior Squash Championship (Boys & Girls) July 20 - 25 at Karachi for U-11, U-13, U-15, U-17 and U-19 age categories.
