Pakistan’s legendary cueist Muhammad Asif is all set to return to Doha this November to defend his world crown at the 2025 IBSF World Men’s Snooker Championship, as Pakistan once again gears up for a major international campaign.
The Pakistan Billiards & Snooker Association (PBSA) has confirmed that Asif, a three-time world champion, will headline the national contingent at this year’s tournament.
Muhammad Asif’s name has become synonymous with Pakistani snooker excellence. He first conquered the world in 2012, reclaimed the crown in 2019, and captured his third world title in 2024, also in Doha, after defeating Iran’s Ali Ghareghouzloo in a thrilling final. He now returns to the same city to defend his title and chase an unprecedented fourth world crown.
Currently also the reigning World Masters (40+) champion, Asif will compete directly in Stage II of the championship, which runs from November 8 to 13, as part of the top-seeded field of defending and regional champions.
Alongside Muhammad Asif, Pakistan’s squad for the 2025 IBSF World Men’s Snooker Championship includes Asjad Iqbal, who earned his spot based on last year’s Last 16 finish, while Muhammad Hasnain Akhtar — the reigning World U-17 champion — enters Stage II as one of the youngest players in the lineup. Former national champions Shahid Aftab and Muhammad Sajjad complete the five-man squad.
To ensure full preparation, PBSA has set up a training camp at the Jahangir Khan Sports Complex in Karachi, allowing players to sharpen their skills and adapt to tournament conditions.
The IBSF World Men’s Snooker Championship will feature some of the sport’s biggest names, promising one of the most competitive editions in recent memory. The championship will be played in two stages: Stage I (November 3–6) will see players battle for 16 qualification spots, while Stage II (November 8–13) features defending champions and top-ranked cueists in a round-robin and knockout format to crown the 2025 world champion.
With Muhammad Asif leading the charge, Pakistan’s snooker fraternity is hopeful that the green flag will once again shine bright on the world stage in Doha.