Cricket may dominate headlines in Pakistan, but squash has its own story – a story of legends, family legacies, and now, a new generation led by Noor Zaman & Muhammad Ashab Irfan.
At just 21, Noor from Peshawar recently won the Nash Cup 2025 in Canada, beating Egypt’s Moustafa Elsirty in straight games and finishing the final in just 52 minutes. It’s a win that reminds Pakistanis that the country’s squash heritage is still alive.
Pakistan’s Squash Golden Era
Pakistan wasn’t always in cricket’s shadow. For decades, it was a squash powerhouse. The story begins with Hashim Khan, who won the British Open in 1951, marking the start of a golden era. Hashim’s success inspired a dynasty: Roshan Khan, Azam Khan, and Mo Khan, all of whom became champions and carried Pakistan’s flag high on the world stage.
The 1980s and 1990s brought the sport’s most famous names: Jahangir Khan and Jansher Khan. Jahangir went on a 555-match unbeaten streak, while Jansher won eight World Open titles. Together, they made Pakistan nearly untouchable in the squash world and inspired thousands of young athletes to pick up a racket.
During this era, squash was more than a sport – it was a national pride. Courts in Peshawar, Quetta, and Karachi were training grounds for the future, and families passed skills down through generations.
Squash As A Family Tradition
For Noor, squash was in his blood. He is the grandson of former British Open Chmapion Qamar Zaman, one of Pakistan’s most celebrated players. Growing up around squash legends, Noor trained on the same courts where his grandfather once played. In Pakistan, squash often survives as a family sport, where fathers coach sons, cousins practice together, and grandparents share stories of glory.
Already the World U23 Champion and ranked No. 62 globally, he is part of a young generation trying to revive Pakistan’s presence in international squash. His calmness on the court, strategic thinking, and ability to handle pressure all show signs that he could become the next major Pakistani squash star.
Another talented player from Pakistan showed great potential in the Nash Cup 2025 as youngster Muhammad Ashab Irfan advanced to the semifinals of the tournament, making it evident that the sport might just see a revival on the Pakistani landscape.
Pakistan may have lost some of its international dominance in squash, but the talent, passion, and family traditions that built past champions still exist. Noor Zaman and Muhammad Ashab Irfan represent that continuity – a bridge between the legends of the past and the possibilities of the future.
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