Pakistan mulls rescheduling CW Beach Handball to avoid clash with Champions Trophy

The Pakistan Handball Federation (PHF) is considering adjusting the dates of the Commonwealth Beach Handball Championship to avoid overlapping with the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

Currently, the Championship is planned for February 18-23 in Karachi, while the ICC Champions Trophy is scheduled to start on February 19 at three venues: Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore.

“Yes, it clashes with the ICC Champions Trophy, so we are considering starting the event a few days earlier, though no final decision has been made,” said PHF president Mohammad Shafiq in a detailed interaction with Nukta.

He further revealed that this matter, among other event-related issues, would be discussed in the PHF general council meeting on November 3.

Karachi likely to host event

The Championship is expected to take place in Clifton, Karachi, with locations like Bagh Ibne Qasim under consideration due to its favorable environment.

“After the general council meeting, I will visit Karachi to survey potential sites at Clifton. Bagh Ibne Qasim is a strong option, but cleanliness and accessibility are factors we’ll consider to ensure the area leaves a positive impression,” added Shafiq, who is also the Commonwealth Handball Association’s treasurer.

PHF President Mohammad ShafiqFacebook/Pakistan Handball Federation

The primary goal of this event, according to Shafiq, is to promote beach handball within Commonwealth nations and to eventually introduce it to the Commonwealth Games.

"To achieve this, we need to host more high-profile tournaments,” he said, emphasizing his dedication to handball’s growth in Asia and the Commonwealth.

Participating teams

Shafiq said that top teams from the Commonwealth region will participate in the competition, for which the Pakistan government has already granted an NOC to the PHF.

He also acknowledged the challenges in attracting developed countries to Pakistan but assured that he would use his influence to encourage participation.

“Yes, developed countries are sometimes hesitant to travel to Pakistan, but we’ll make every effort to bring more nations here and make it a successful event. And with visa-free entry for most countries except India, it would be ideal if India could join too,” Shafiq said.

He highlighted that it’s essential to have a mix of developed and third-world countries, although financial limitations often affect the latter’s participation.

Bringing India into the event, Shafiq explained, might not be challenging as long as visas are provided.

“Our athletics and other teams also go to India and there is usually no issue. Hopefully they will be part of the event,” said the PHF chief.

In terms of handball capabilities, Pakistan is stronger in beach handball compared to India, while both countries have a similar standing in indoor handball.

Pakistan has previously hosted the IHF Handball Trophies in Faisalabad in 2014, 2018, and 2022, along with other international events, and has hosted teams from Iran and Afghanistan on various occasions.