PSF bans squash heroes on 'frivolous charges'

It seems the practice of disgracing national heroes has transgressed from the field of cricket to a new ground – the squash courts.In a marathon executive committee meeting, the Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) Thursday announced an unexpected decision. They banned Pakistan No 1 Aamir Atlas for two years along with three other team members who represented the country in the World Championship in Germany.The players have been charged with under-performing, while players do perform less than expectations at times, yet no sports federation bans players on such grounds. However, like the PCB, the PSF has probably meted out the harsh treatment to infuse discipline.Secretary Pakistan Squash Federation Wing Commander Irfan Asghar said the Executive Committee took the decision after two-day deliberations with Senior Vice President Air Vice Marshal Razi Nawab in the chair.He said the meeting thoroughly examined the performance of the team members including Aamir Atlas, Yasir Butt, Waqar Mehboob and Nasir Iqbal.The Executive Committee meeting, attended by all the members including the Presidents of various associations, after examining videos, clippings and report of the manager decided to ban the players for under-performing in the World Men Team Squash Championship.He said Aamir Atlas was banned for two years, Yasir for one year and Waqar Mehboob for 6 months while the fourth member of the squad Nasir Iqbal got away with a warning.The decision was taken in the larger interest of the game as it also amounted to defaming the country internationally, Irfan Asghar added.