Islamabad, May 8, 2026 (GNP): Pakistan’s squash (PSA) contingent is once again ready to make the nation proud on the international stage as three of the country’s finest players prepare to compete at the CIB Palm Hills PSA World Championships 2026, scheduled to be held in Giza, Egypt, from May 8 to 16, 2026. Noor Zaman, Muhammad Ashab Irfan, and Muhammad Asim Khan will don the green and white as they take on some of the world’s most formidable squash players at one of the sport’s most prestigious tournaments.
The PSA World Championships are widely regarded as the pinnacle of professional squash, bringing together the top-ranked players from across the globe in a high-stakes competition that tests skill, endurance, and mental fortitude. This year’s edition carries a prize pool of $700,000 USD, underscoring the scale and significance of the event. For Pakistan, a nation with a rich and celebrated history in squash, the championships represent not just a sporting contest but an opportunity to reaffirm its place among the elite of the game.
Pakistan’s Three Representatives
Leading Pakistan’s challenge at the tournament is Noor Zaman, currently ranked World No. 28 on the PSA circuit. A seasoned competitor with experience on the international stage, Noor Zaman has consistently been one of Pakistan’s most dependable performers in recent years. His ability to absorb pressure and deliver in crucial moments makes him a genuine threat to higher-ranked opponents, and his opening match will be an important test of form and fitness.
Joining him is Muhammad Ashab Irfan, ranked World No. 46 in the world. Still building his presence on the global circuit, Ashab Irfan represents the exciting new generation of Pakistani squash talent. His game is marked by sharp reflexes, aggressive court movement, and the kind of composure that belies his relative youth at the top level. His participation in the PSA World Championships is a significant milestone and a reflection of the growing depth in Pakistani squash.
Completing the trio is Muhammad Asim Khan, ranked World No. 69. Asim Khan brings his own brand of determined and disciplined squash to the court, and his inclusion in the squad reflects the strength Pakistan continues to produce across multiple rankings. Though his opening draw presents a formidable challenge, Asim Khan’s presence at the championships is a testament to his hard work and continued rise through the professional ranks.
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All three players are scheduled to open their campaigns on the early days of the tournament. On May 8, 2026, Noor Zaman will step onto Court C4 at 14:45 hours local time to face Egypt’s Adam Hawal, ranked World No. 88. Playing in front of what is expected to be a largely partisan home crowd, Noor Zaman will need to draw on his experience to navigate the atmosphere and secure a strong opening result. On the same day and at the same time, Muhammad Asim Khan will face a significantly stiffer test on Court C3, where he will go up against Joel Makin of Wales, ranked World No. 5. A win against a top-five player would be a landmark result for Asim Khan and would send a strong statement to the rest of the field.
On May 9, 2026, Muhammad Ashab Irfan will take to Court C1 at 14:45 hours to face Nicolas Mueller of Switzerland, ranked World No. 29. With both players closely ranked on the PSA circuit, this promises to be a tightly contested and exciting encounter, with neither side holding a significant advantage on paper.
Pakistan’s Squash Legacy
Pakistan’s connection to squash runs deep. The country produced some of the greatest players the sport has ever seen, with legends like Jahangir Khan and Jansher Khan dominating world squash for decades. That legacy continues to inspire every Pakistani player who steps onto the court at the international level, and the three athletes heading to Giza carry that tradition with them.
As Noor Zaman, Muhammad Ashab Irfan, and Muhammad Asim Khan prepare to compete at the CIB Palm Hills PSA World Championships 2026, the entire nation stands behind them. Pakistan wishes its squash stars the very best of luck as they take on the world’s finest and strive to bring glory back home.
