Global squash stars are heading to Pakistan as the country prepares to host four consecutive international tournaments offering a total of $439,000 in prize money, according to the Express Tribune. Following the Asian Team Squash Championships in Islamabad, these events will bring leading men's and women's players from around the world to local courts.

Express Tribune reported that the tournaments will begin in Islamabad before moving to Karachi, providing local players with opportunities to compete against international opposition.

Background

According to the Express Tribune, the schedule begins with the Chief of Air Staff International Squash Championship, a $40,000 men's silver-level event in Islamabad from November 24 to 28. Pakistan's Noor Zaman, who recently climbed to 25th in the world rankings after winning the World Under-23 Championship, will be the top seed. Fellow Pakistani Ashab Irfan is seeded fourth, Mohammad Asim Khan is seeded seventh, and Nasir Iqbal will also feature.

Following the opening event, Karachi will host three international tournaments offering a combined $399,000 in prize money, as reported by the Express Tribune. The Chief of Naval Staff Squash Championship, an $18,000 event, takes place from December 1 to 5 at the PN Roshan Khan-Jahangir Khan Squash Complex, including a women's PSA event carrying $1,000 in prize money.

Action will then shift to the Creek Club for the Sindh Open International Squash Championship from December 6 to 10. The $130,000 tournament offers equal prize money for men and women, featuring Egypt's world number 17 Youssef Soliman as the top seed in the men's draw, and world number 14 Salma Hany leading the women's field alongside compatriot Nada Abbas.

Why it matters

According to the Express Tribune, these events are expected to provide a significant boost to squash in Pakistan. By offering local players direct opportunities to compete against international opposition, the tournaments aim to strengthen the country's profile as a sporting destination.

What's next

The series of events will conclude with the Karachi Open, a Gold-level championship scheduled for January 5 to 10, 2027, featuring a total prize purse of $250,000 distributed equally between the men's and women's draws, as reported by the Express Tribune.