ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s resurgence in squash was highlighted this week as former world junior champion Hamza Khan achieved a career-high ranking of 86 in the PSA World Rankings. The 20-year-old jumped 14 spots, reflecting consistent performances across international tournaments this year.
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Hamza toured Australia and Spain during the summer before competing in France in November. He reached the quarter-finals of the Swarmer South Australian Open in May and later won the Northern Star Resources Golden Open title in June, marking a breakthrough in his professional career.
Pakistan’s Hamza Khan has qualified for the semi final of CAS International Squash Championship, $37,500 PSA Copper Event, beating the top seed Karim El Hammamy of Egypt 11-8, 11-5, 7-11, 12-10 pic.twitter.com/Zs8NcJ2ATB
— Faizan Lakhani (@faizanlakhani) November 26, 2025
In August, Hamza finished as runner-up at the Valencia Open, losing to Spain’s Iker Pajares, which initially propelled him into the top 100 rankings. He maintained that level until his recent performance at the CAS Serena International Squash Championship, where a narrow defeat in the final saw him climb further in the rankings.
Hamza jumped 14 spots in the PSA World Rankings to reach the career milsetone on December 1.https://t.co/hrLuSo5fVm
— Dawn.com (@dawn_com) December 2, 2025
The CAS Serena final was a thrilling encounter, with compatriot Noor Zaman retaining his title after a 3-2 victory over Hamza in a 46-minute match (9-11, 7-11, 11-7, 11-4, 11-8). Noor’s triumph pushed him to world number 38, just shy of his career-best ranking of 37, while Ashab Irfan moved up one spot to equal his personal best of 47.
Hamza Khan’s rise, along with the improved standings of Noor Zaman and Ashab Irfan, underscores Pakistan’s renewed presence in global squash. Analysts note that these young players could carry the legacy of Pakistan’s historic dominance in the sport into the next decade.
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The trio’s performances also highlight the benefits of international exposure, as competing in diverse tournaments has sharpened their competitive edge and consistency against top-ranked players worldwide. Fans and officials alike have praised their dedication, signaling optimism for Pakistan’s future in professional squash.