Pakistan to Host Karachi Open PSA World Tour Gold After 20 Years

Pakistan is gearing up to make a major comeback on the international squash circuit as it prepares to host a high-profile PSA World Tour Gold event for the first time in two decades. The Karachi Open, scheduled from January 6 to January 11, marks a landmark moment for the sport in the country and signals renewed ambition to revive Pakistan’s historic squash legacy.

The event will take place in Karachi and features a strong lineup of elite international talent. With a total prize purse of $243,000, split equally between the men’s and women’s competitions, the Karachi Open places Pakistan back among nations capable of hosting world-class squash tournaments. The scale of the event matches contemporary international standards and is expected to attract global attention.

In a competitive international field, five of the world’s top 10 players have confirmed their participation, signalling high interest and confidence in Pakistan as a host destination. Former world champion and current World No. 5 Karim Gawad of Egypt will lead the tournament as the top seed. He is followed closely by World No. 7 Marwan El Shorbagy, also of Egypt, who enters as the second seed. World No. 6 Youssef Ibrahim has been named the third seed, adding further strength to the draw.

The participation of such high-ranking athletes reflects not only the prestige of the Karachi Open but also the efforts being made to restore Pakistan’s position within international squash. The country previously dominated the sport for decades, producing multiple world champions, including Jahangir Khan and Jansher Khan, who shaped global squash history. However, international events gradually disappeared from local venues due to security and infrastructure challenges.

Hosting a major PSA event after 20 years indicates improved security conditions, better infrastructure, and growing institutional support for sports. It also provides a crucial opportunity for Pakistani players to test their skills against world-class competitors on home ground, a chance that has been absent for a generation.

Administrators and sports analysts believe the Karachi Open could act as a catalyst for long-term development, creating pathways for local talent and encouraging wider investment in squash facilities and athlete training. For fans, the tournament offers a rare chance to witness some of the world’s best athletes live, while for organisers, it carries the responsibility of delivering a successful showcase event that meets international expectations.

As the countdown begins, anticipation is high. The Karachi Open represents more than a sporting event; it is a symbolic milestone in Pakistan’s attempt to re-enter the global sports arena with confidence, professionalism, and a renewed commitment to excellence.