The Professional Squash Association has today confirmed that it is sanctioning two World Tour events in Pakistan ©PSA

The Professional Squash Association (PSA) has today confirmed that it is sanctioning two World Tour events in Pakistan following the decision to lift a ban which prevented the country from hosting international competitions due to security concerns.

Both a men's tournament, offering a $50,000 (£39,000/€42,000) prize fund, and a women's event, offering a $25,000 (£19,000/€21,000) prize fund, will be sanctioned in Islamabad in December.

These events will be under the strict supervision of the PSA's security consultants, Sports Risk.

PSA chief executive Alex Gough revealed the decision to impose the ban on Pakistan was made in February after extensive consultation with Sports Risk in relation to security issues.

He added that the world governing body is now "satisfied that there are no immediate security concerns".

Any sanctioning of future PSA World Tour events in Pakistan will be dependent on the execution and the security of the two tournaments.

"We believe that sanctioning these tournaments in December will be a great first step to the reinstatement of professional squash tournaments in Pakistan," Gough said.

"Pakistan has a rich squash heritage and has provided some of the greatest squash players of all time, with the likes of Jahangir and Jansher Khan making Pakistan a force to be reckoned with on the world stage.

"We look forward to welcoming Pakistan to the international scene once again."

Pakistan’s six-time world champion Jahangir Khan said he is delighted that PSA international men’s and women’s squash events will be held in his country following earlier concerns over safety ©PSA
Pakistan’s six-time world champion Jahangir Khan said he is delighted that PSA international men’s and women’s squash events will be held in his country following earlier concerns over safety ©PSA

Six-time world champion Jahangir Khan said: "I'm delighted to hear the wonderful news that high-calibre PSA international men's and women's squash events will be held in Pakistan once again in what is sure to bring about a revival of squash in Pakistan.

"I am sure that the decision will be a great boost to Pakistan squash and to our younger, up-and-coming players across both genders, who will have the opportunity to watch and learn from top-class players from around the world.

"I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to the PSA Board of Directors for trusting the Pakistan Squash Federation to hold the event towards the end of the year and wish everyone the best of luck in putting on a successful tournament."

Squash is extremely popular in Pakistan with the country producing greats of the game.

The country has at times endured a tense political relationship with India, with which it shares a border of nearly 3,000 kilometres. 

Pakistan withdrew from April's Asian Squash Championship in Indian city Chennai after claiming they were not issued visas in time.

Farhan Mehboob, Farhan Zaman, Waqar Mehboob and Tayyab Aslam were all due to compete.