Egyptian squash legend and former World No. 1 Mohamed El-Shorbagy has announced his decision to represent England in Professional Squash Association (PSA) and World Squash Federation (WSF) events, England Squash confirmed on Monday.
The 31-year-old dominated the squash world between 2014 and 2021, winning 44 professional titles and spending over seven years ranked at the top.
El-Shorbagy explained his reasons for changing allegiance in an interview with the BBC, citing a lack of support in Egypt and praising the backing he received from the English team.
“It took me four months to make this decision. I finally chose the logical option that guarantees support for me as a squash player. The more you grow, the more you need a supporting team — doctors, trainers — and these basics weren’t available for me before,” he said.
“The English team provided all the necessary support. It’s not about money; it’s about covering me as an athlete in case of injuries. My country didn’t offer me the medical and psychological support I needed,” he added.
“I never had an Egyptian sponsor, despite being a former No. 1 player. The English team believed in me and offered support, so I had to think about myself.”
El-Shorbagy emphasized his pride in his Egyptian achievements, including winning the 2016 Al Ahram International and contributing to Egypt’s team victory in the 2011 World Team Championship semifinals against France.
“It wasn’t an easy decision, especially since I might have to face Egypt in the future, but I’ve given a lot to my country. Now it’s time to think about myself.”
El-Shorbagy moved to England in 2006 at age 15, has spent more than half his life there, and has been coached by British trainers since then. He told the PSA World Tour:
“I’m really excited to be representing England now. I’ve lived in England more than half my life and have been trained by British coaches since the age of 15. National Coach David Campion and the wider England Squash team have supported me for years. When you have people who appreciate you without expecting anything back, it means a lot.”
“The opportunity to represent England is extremely exciting, and I will give it my all playing under the English flag.”
England Squash CEO Mark Williams welcomed El-Shorbagy’s decision:
“We’re very pleased to welcome Mohamed to England Squash and look forward to helping him continue to perform at the highest level. We’re delighted he’s so keen to support the exciting crop of young players coming through our talent pathway.”
Williams added: “We’re committed to extending England’s legacy as one of squash’s most successful nations and believe adding a player of Mohamed’s caliber will inspire current and future generations of English talent.”
National Coach David Campion praised El-Shorbagy as “a proven winner at the game’s highest level, a formidable competitor, and one of the best players of his generation who will add a great deal to the England system.”
El-Shorbagy’s first tournament representing England will be the Necker Mauritius Open, a PSA World Tour event running from 7–11 June. He will then compete at the British National Squash Championships in Manchester from 14–18 June, entering as the men’s top seed. His debut for Team England is planned for the 2023 European Team Championships.
