13-Jun-2012
The News
By Waqar Hamza
KARACHI: The issue of overage players is likely to take a heavy toll on junior squash activity in the country as no national level event can be held till all provincial associations agree to get their players scrutinized by the federation.
Sources in the sub-committee comprising secretaries of provincial associations and the federation, formed by the Executive Committee of Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) to resolve this issue, informed ‘The News’ that they would not accept medical scrutiny of any player if it was not conducted under the supervision of the committee. “PSF would not accept any medical tests for age determination of players done by any provincial association on its own,” said a source.
A national level event that was to be held in Rawalpindi got postponed recently because of the dispute between provincial associations over overage players.
Last month, Punjab and Sindh pulled out of a national junior event held in Khyber Pakhtukhwa, protesting against alleged favourable draws and participation of overage players in the event.
In the same event that went on even after the two big provinces pulled out a player who was said to be 17 participated in Under-11 category.
The organisers did not disqualify him despite the protest of his opponent.
After that incident, a committee was formed by the PSF to scrutinise players before all tournaments.
If they doubt any player’s age, they will ask for his medical examination under their supervision.
But this effort of PSF is seemingly not bearing fruits because the provincial associations are not paying heed to this decision. Currently, Punjab Squash Association (PSA) is conducting medical examinations of their 100 registered junior players. But these tests by PSA are not going to get the nod from the PSF.
A stalemate is very likely because other than PSA no association is willing to conduct medical tests.
Vice President PSF Qamar Zaman said he had suggested that all players should be called in Islamabad for scrutiny under the supervision of the federation. He further said that PSF should end this rift among the associations.
It may be noted here that Punjab and KPK associations are often accused of including overage players in their teams for national junior events.
Source: http://www.thenews.com.pk/ |
