Pakistan is set to welcome the biggest squash tournament in over two decades as the sport makes a grand return to a country once celebrated as a global squash powerhouse.

The Karachi Open, a PSA World Tour Gold event, will take place from January 6-11, 2026, at the DA Creek Club, the same venue that hosted the World U23 Championships earlier this year.

With a total prize purse of $243,000, the tournament promises to bring top-tier international squash back to Pakistani soil. Both the men’s and women’s competitions will offer $121,500 each, attracting elite talent from around the world.

Among the men’s field, former world champion and World No. 5 Karim Abdel Gawad of Egypt will lead the draw, chasing his third title in Pakistan.

Other top contenders include Marwan ElShorbagy (World No. 7), Youssef Ibrahim (World No. 6), and Mohamed ElShorbagy, a former World No. 1 representing England.

Pakistan will proudly be represented by rising stars, including World U23 champion Noor Zaman, along with Muhammad Ashab Irfan, Tayyab Aslam, and Nasir Iqbal.

In the women’s competition, Egypt’s World No. 3 and reigning World Junior Champion Amina Orfi headlines the draw, with Malaysia’s World No. 6 Sivasangari Subramaniam and Egypt’s World No. 9 Fayrouz Aboelkheir also competing.

Local talent Sana Bahadar and Mariam Malik will join the main draw as wild-card entrants.

The Karachi Open is Pakistan’s largest squash event since the 2003 World Open in Lahore and reflects the country’s commitment to reviving the sport.

Once home to legends like Jahangir Khan and Jansher Khan, Pakistan is now reclaiming its place on the international squash stage.

Officials hope the tournament will not only draw global attention but also inspire a new generation of athletes, fostering growth, talent development, and a sense of national pride in the game.