Squash: Atlas’ ban may be overturned next month

Squash player could return after PSF president’s retirement.

KARACHI: The retirement of Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) President Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman might turn out to be a blessing in disguise for two banned Pakistan players: Aamir Atlas and Yasir Butt.

An official close to the matter said the two-year ban on Atlas and a year’s sanction on Butt, imposed last October, might be overturned when Qamar’s tenure ends on March 18.

“There’s a strong chance that the two players will be back,” the official told The Express Tribune. “Some people in the current setup have a soft corner for the duo but they have limitations. The new president will come with a different mindset so hopefully Pakistan will be able to enter future events with full strength.”

The bans were imposed after Pakistan’s dismal show at the World Team Championship in Germany, where the team finished a lowly 22nd — the worst result recorded by the country.

However, squash legend Jahangir Khan said that chances of the bans being overturned remained low. “I don’t see the decision being revised,” said Jahangir. “Only the president is changing – other members will remain the same.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 28^th, 2012.