Following the global outbreak of COVID-19, Pakistan has not issued any travel advisory for any foreign players making their way to the country for an international squash tournament to be held next month.
According to details, 17 foreign players will be heading to Islamabad to showcase their skills at the CAS International Squash Championship from April 3 to 7.
Most of the players hail from countries severely affected by the Coronavirus outbreak.
- Germany (1,151 cases)
- Japan (502 cases, 7 deaths)
- Austria (112 cases)
- Malaysia (117 cases)
- Egypt (55 cases)
- Portugal (31 cases)
- Hong Kong (115 cases, 3 deaths)
Foreign Office spokesperson, Aisha Farooqui, said in a news briefing:
No, we have not circulated any travel advisory yet. We are monitoring the situation and it will be decided in case of any development.
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On the other hand, the Professional Squash Association (PSA), the international governing body of the professional squash circuit, has authorized the federal government to decide the fate of the competition.
At this stage, it is down to the federal government to decide whether sporting events should happen [or not].
Countries all over the world have either canceled or are mulling to cancel sports tournaments in an attempt to contain the spread of COVID-19.
Pakistan needs to make a decision on the protocols and travel advisory in order to prevent the spread of the virus into Pakistan.
Earlier this month, India revoked the visas of athletes from Italy, Iran, South Korea, and Japan who were to participate in the ISSF World Cup Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun scheduled to be held in New Delhi from March 15 to 26.
Fears over Coronavirus have also cast doubts over the organization of the 2020 Olympics scheduled in Tokyo from 24 July to 9 August.
