A major backlash has erupted after Rich’s Venus Pakistan, supported by squash legend Jahangir Khan, signed a five-year sponsorship deal with international player Muhammad Zakaria. While the move was celebrated by organizers, many in Pakistan’s squash community are questioning why local stars continue to be ignored.
Homegrown Talent Left Behind
Pakistan’s own players , Hamza Khan, Noor Zaman, Nasir Iqbal, Tayyab Aslam, and Israr Ahmed , have all proven themselves internationally. Some are world champions, others ranked among the world’s best. Yet, they remain unsupported and unrecognized, with several sidelined due to injuries and financial struggles. Their names are slowly disappearing ,not from failure, but from neglect.
A System Favoring Privilege
In squash, ranking isn’t just about talent , it’s about money. Players with backing can compete abroad and climb the ranks. But many Pakistani players come from modest backgrounds and can’t afford a single international tournament, no matter how skilled they are. Even those who win tour events get no reward or media attention.
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Asim Khan Speaks Out
National player Asim Khan strongly criticized the current system in a viral social media post. He listed several Pakistani champions who have vanished without support and asked, “Kia Hamza Khan world champion nahi hai?” He revealed that despite winning the Charlottesville Open, he received no backing whatsoever.
Ranking paisay se hoti hai… hum gareeb families se hain, ek tournament bhi afford nahi kar sakte
Asim’s message echoed the frustration of an entire generation of forgotten athletes.
Time to Support Our Own
While symbolic gestures like Jahangir Khan handing Zakaria an autographed racket may look grand, they ring hollow when Pakistani champions are left struggling. If we want to revive squash in Pakistan, it starts with investing in our own players , not sidelining them in their prime.
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