After Hamza Akbar’s withdrawal: PBSA announces revised squad for world championships

Pakistan cueist unable to take part in amateur events after turning pro

KARACHI: The Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association (PBSA) has been forced to announce a revised squad to make up for the loss of Hamza Akbar after it emerged that he would be unable to take part in the upcoming IBSF World 6-Red and Team Championships.

Hamza turned pro after becoming a member of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) and enrolling himself to participate in the professional circuit for the length of two years.

“I do feel sad on missing out on the world championships, but then there can’t be a greater honour than to play in the professional circuit,” Hamza told The Express Tribune. “I’m really eager to make a name for myself there as it was my ultimate goal. Everybody wants to play at home, but when you have the chance to play at the highest level, you can’t ask for a better platform.”



Mohammad Bilal has been drafted in by hosts Pakistan to replace Hamza in the 6-Red World Championship, while two pairs were also reorganised in the Team Championship squad.

Hamza was to pair up with Shaharam Changezi, but now Shaharam will play alongside Babar Masih, while Rambail Gul has been included to replace Hamza to play with Mohammad Asif Toba.

The PBSA has also added the duo of Abdul Sattar and Zulfiqar Qadir, which has taken the number of Pakistan teams to eight.

“All my preparations are complete and I’ve already packed by bags to fly to the UK for two years, but the visa is yet to be received. I’ve missed one tournament in Latvia but I’m hopeful that I will be able to play in Shanghai as the event there begins on August 5,” said Hamza.

“Although I won’t be here, I hope that someone from Pakistan will win the world titles. We have competitive players who are capable of achieving the best and all my wishes are with them.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 1^st,  2015.

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