PBSA facing financial crunch

PSB continues to ignore snooker; still to release special grants.

KARACHI: The Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association (PBSA) is facing a financial crunch due to the non-payment of both special and annual grants for the year 2013. The snooker governing body claims that the deadlock has hindered the body’s ability to fulfil both national and international commitments.

Due to the prevailing situation, the PBSA foresees difficult times ahead for the Pakistan snooker team’s (Junior, Senior) participation in the Asian U21 tournament and the Asian Snooker Championships.

The association is also concerned about paying monthly player’s honorarium to the top eight ranking players in the country.

According to the PBSA, they have not received any financial assistance from the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) since July 2013.

In a press release, the body stated that the performance of the association and its players are on record since the wins in the IBSF World Title in 2012 and IBSF World Team Championship in 2013 — their feats also include the 2013 Asian 6-Red title.

The release further stated that in spite of reaching great heights, the PBSA has to endure a long wait for the release of special grants for the international events.

“The association has sent numerous reminders to the Director General, PSB, Secretary Sports IPC, Minister Sports IPC and the Additional Secretary IPC for the release of the pending special grants, but no response has been received regarding the matter.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 23^rd, 2014.

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