Pakistan squash legend Jansher Khan is planning to lure top players of the world to Pakistan by organising an IPL-style cash-rich Squash League next year. Jansher made these comments on the sidelines of the 1st Prime Minister’s FMC International Squash Pakistan Circuit-II 2011 being played here at the Punjab Squash Complex, in which Yasir Butt defeated Mansoor Zaman Khan to set up a final showdown with Shahnawaz, who upset top seed Farhan Mahboob in the second semi-final.
Talking to journalists here, Jansher said that he has prepared a blueprint of the squash league, to be organised next year, in which international players would be invited on individual basis and the prize money would be enough to ensure extensive international participation. “Security is one of the reasons of non-participation of international players in events like Pakistan Circuit, but when there is heavy prize money and individual invitation the players would surely come and play in Pakistan,” said Jansher.
“Security has been an issue but we can not let the sport die like this and for the development of the sport we have to plan big and attractive events to bring in the all the top players from around world. “With the plan we can keep the game alive and more importantly our players will get an opportunity to play with the world’s best players.” “We have started working on the plan and later this year we will establish our contacts with players from Egypt, England and France. We are currently working on the feasibility of the league, as player will be paid heavily.”
Khan ruled out any personal tussle with the Amir Atlas Khan and said that success comes with discipline only. “He is like my child but when it comes to discipline, we can’t compromise on this as players thrive in the game only because of discipline. He no doubt is the champion player in the country, but if you don’t take any action against indiscipline, it will be damaging not only for the game but for the country. Banning him for indiscipline is actually a message for the youngsters.”
Jansher on Friday watched Shahnawaz stage the biggest upset of the tournament when he took 42 minutes to send beat Farhan 3-11, 11-6, 11-8, 11-9. Earlier, Yasir Butt beat Mansoor Zaman 7-11, 11-5, 11-4, 11-9 (3-1) in 38 minutes. The final will be played today between Yasir Butt and Mohammad Shahnawaz.
