Squash star Nasir Iqbal calls for frequent international events in Pakistan

Pakistan’s seasoned squash player Nasir Iqbal has stressed that the nation will need to host more international events if it is to progress in squash.

Nasir added that infrastructure is not a problem in Pakistan, which once ruled the world of squash.

“It’s very important for the country to host maximum international events. If you go for matches to Canada, US and Australia then it becomes tough for the players as it needs huge resources,” Nasir told Nukta in a detailed formal chat.

“If we get more matches, it will help boost our ranking. Pakistan has the best infrastructure everywhere. You can hold international events with ease even if you have two courts at the same place.

“The more you get matches the more you will improve and this is the simple formula. Our players are more talented but they need maximum exposure and matches.”

Nasir, who is world No79, recently did well in the World Team Squash Championship in Hong Kong. He won all his matches but as his teammates failed to respond the way they should have. Pakistan finished eventually at the 13th spot which is not that good for the country with a glorious past in the sport.

“Personally, I am happy with the way I performed in Hong Kong but it was a team event and you cannot do anything with only your own performance,” Nasir said.

“Look, we beat tough Hong Kong and USA which also had good players. We were playing in the World Championship after long time. The issue is if you are in the main circuit, you get the experience and it helps in your growth but if you return to a main circuit after seven or eight years then it’s not easy to click,” Nasir said.

Disappointing show

Besides Nasir, Noor Zaman and Pakistan’s top-ranked player Mohammad Asim Khan were part of the team fought under the coach Fahim Gul.

Pakistan downed Peru, tough Hong Kong and Italy to qualify for the last 16. However, in the pre-quarterfinals Germany conquered Pakistan 2-1 to put them out of the event.

Pakistan then in the 9-16 place matches was defeated by Canada 2-1. The Green-shirts then defeated South Africa and US with the identical scoreline of 2-1 to finish at a disappointing 13th place in the event.

Pakistan won the world team title six times and has produced several legends including Jahangir Khan and Jansher Khan, regarded among the most successful squash players of all time.

However, the country's fortunes have slumped in the last two decades and today not a single Pakistani players in the top-50 world rankings. Asked how he saw world champion Diego Elias of Peru who played against Pakistan Nasir said it’s not a rocket science but the best thing with them is that they have got a good system which helps them in in their growth.

“Our players are more talented and they are also mentally tough than them and if you give us solid platform where we could get enough matches then I think nothing will stop us from pulling wins in major events,” Nasir said.

“Even if we correct our system fifty percent then we will be able to beat the world’s top players,” he said.

Nasir is competing in the National Team Squash Championship in Karachi these days and he said after this event he will take his time out for recovery.

“Recovery is absolutely needed after series of events during the past few months in order to refresh for the international events ahead,” Nasir said.