Pakistan is set to host its most high-profile and highest-paying squash event in more than two decades, marking a major comeback for a country that was once the heart of world squash.
The Karachi Open 2026, a prestigious PSA World Tour Gold event with a massive $243,000 prize pool, will take place from January 6 to 11 at the DA Creek Club. This venue recently hosted the World U23 Championships earlier this year. The Karachi Open will be Pakistan’s first top-tier PSA event in 20 years.
Both the men’s and women’s categories will feature $121,500 in prize money each. The tournament has already attracted some of the world’s best players — five of the top 10 male players and three of the top 10 female players have confirmed participation, signaling Pakistan’s strong return as a host for elite squash.
Top International Players Headlining the Event
Former World Champion and current World No. 5 Karim Abdel Gawad from Egypt will be the top seed in the men’s draw. Gawad, who has already won titles in Pakistan in 2018 and 2022, enters Karachi with an eight-match winning streak in the city.
Other top seeds include:
- World No. 7 Marwan ElShorbagy
- World No. 6 Youssef Ibrahim
- Former World No. 1 Mohamed ElShorbagy (representing England)
- World No. 11 Mohamed Zakaria
Pakistan’s lineup will feature rising U23 World Champion Noor Zaman, along with Muhammad Ashab Irfan, Tayyab Aslam, and Nasir Iqbal. Both Tayyab and Nasir received wild-card entries.
Women’s Draw Led by Top Contenders
In the women’s competition, Egypt’s World No. 3 Amina Orfi, also the reigning World Junior Champion, will lead the field.
She is joined by:
- Malaysia’s World No. 6 Sivasangari Subramaniam
- Egypt’s World No. 9 Fayrouz Aboelkheir
Pakistan’s wild-card entries Sana Bahadar and Mariam Malik will also compete in the main draw.
A Major Milestone for Pakistani Squash
The Karachi Open will be Pakistan’s most lucrative squash event since the 2003 World Open in Lahore, which had a $175,000 purse. After hosting the World U23 Championships earlier this year, Karachi is quickly regaining its status on the international squash calendar.
For a country that once produced legends like Jahangir Khan and Jansher Khan, the return of a top-tier PSA event represents a renewed investment in the sport. Officials believe the Karachi Open 2026 will play a key role in reviving Pakistan’s squash legacy.
