ISLAMABAD: As the top foreign players have started reaching Islamabad to feature in the International tennis tournaments here, the Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) now prepares its case on the footsteps of the tennis federation to try to lure top international squash players to compete in Pakistan Open next month.

A well placed source confirmed to ‘The News’ that PSF officials have sought the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) help and reference to attract foreigners to play in the international tournaments, including the Pakistan Open scheduled for next month.

The PSF has yet far failed to attract the ranking players for the two international events and has already extended the deadline of the Open to October 20.

“No encouraging response has been received from the foreign players for the Pakistan Open and that was why we have extended the deadline for the Open. October 8 was the earlier deadline but now with the recommendation of the world body, the deadline has been extended to October 20,” a PSF official has told ‘The News’.

As almost 30 foreigners — including tennis players and officials — have reached Islamabad to figure in the two international circuit tournaments at the Islamabad Tennis Complex starting from October 12, the PSF officials now want to take a leaf out of the PTF book as how to lure foreign players is possible under such circumstances.

It has been learnt that a PSF official has requested for a letter of reference from the PTF confirming that such a number of foreigners have actually participated in the tournament.

“A PSF high official is expected to travel abroad to show the squash governing body about the participation of international players in the tennis tournaments and letter has been requested for proof,” an official said.

“We have sought PTF’s help on the matter. It is a matter of great encouragement for us that such a big number of international tennis players are participating in feature tournament in Pakistan.

“If that is the case why the foreigner players are staying away from squash tournament,” one of the PSF officials when contacted said.

A former squash player when contacted lashed out at the PSF official saying that they did not do their home work properly before inviting foreign players.

“All credit to the tennis federation that has succeeded in luring international players and that too in big numbers.

“Unlike the PTF, the squash federation did not do their home work properly and that was why they are facing such situation at this point.

Senator Syed Dilawar Abbas is an active official who spends money from his own pocket to travel abroad and stay in contact with other federation officials regularly.

“That is not the case here in PSF and that is why they always struggle.

“You need proper home work before organising mega events. On that front, the PSF is lagging behind,” he said.