ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) is running out of options with regard to revival of the sport, since tall claims made by the authorities to produce a world champion by 2012 are yet to be materialised.

In this scenario, the only hope for the officials of the PSF seems to be none other than the banned player Aamir Atlas Khan.

The banned squash player would be the top seed in London Squash Open to be played next month from December 1 to 4.

“I am the top seed and preparing well for the event and trying my best to win,” Aamir said while talking to Dawn.

Aamir would also be seen in action in a Professional Squash Association (PSA) ranked tournament scheduled to be played next month in Pakistan.

“I am eligible to feature in PSA-ranked tournaments and the federation has no right to stop me from taking part in the event,” added Aamir.

The PSF banned Aamir for two years along with two other players — Yasir Butt and Waqar Mahboob — for their dismalperformance in the World Men’s Team Championship held in August this year in Germany.

“I am trying my best to improve my ranking by participating in more and more PSA events,” Aamir maintained.

Aamir joined the PSA in 2002 and reached his highest ranking, No 14, in Sept 2009. Currently, he is ranked 25 in the world and No 2 in the national circuit.

When asked if the ban imposed by the PSF affected his performance, he maintained: “It never did and I am playing with the same passion.”

PSF senior vice-president Razi Nawab was not available when an attempt was made by Dawn for getting his comment to clear the mist over a claim made by the federation officials during last few years that they would be able to produce a world champion by 2012.