Squash federation, players locked in argument

Body blamed for not paying daily allowances.

KARACHI:

The Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) training camp ended on a sour note yesterday, with the players and the federation’s secretary, Abdul Wahab Marwat, involved in an argument over daily allowance.

Danish Atlas Khan, Farhan Mehboob and other players have decided against reporting to in the camp until their demands are met. According to them, Marwat had promised them a daily allowance of Rs500, but upon the completion of the month-long camp they received only Rs133.

“We have decided against taking the paltry sum they (the PSF) gave us,” one of the players told The Express Tribune.

“We were subjected to harsh words when we argued with Marwat. PSF President Tahir Rafique Butt should take notice of this mistreatment.”

Another player added that if they continued to receive similar treatment, they will opt to train and play on their own until the non-serious officials change their attitude.

It has also been learnt that the PSF compiled new national rankings yesterday, which are yet to be made public.

Aamir Atlas tops the ranking, followed by his brother Danish. Nasir Iqbal has been promoted to third position while Yasir Butt – who has been playing abroad – is ranked fourth. Farhan, who contested the final of the CAS Open against Aamir, is ranked eighth.

I did not make any promises: PSF secretary

Meanwhile, Marwat denied he had made any promises,  saying that only senior players were entitled to receive Rs4,000 at the end of the month-long camp.

“The PSF is ensuring the best facilities for its players during their stay in camp,” said Marwat. “It is now moving to Peshawar for two weeks where all the available athletes will report in to the camp. We have a very limited budget and the players should understand that we can’t spend more than we can afford to. The need of the  hour is that players should change their attitude because in the past, champions were not made just by receiving financial support but with their dedication despite coming from humble backgrounds.”

Published in The Express Tribune, October 14^th, 2012.