Earlier this year the WSF, in partnership with England Squash, discussed a change of name for the game, which is played with a larger ball and a shorter racket.

The new name focuses on the key difference to squash - the larger ball, which has a maximum diameter of 57 millimetres compared with 40mm for a squash ball.

It is hoped the move will lead to less confusion with racquetball, a primarily North American game played on much larger courts with no tin and a different type of ball.

WSF chief executive Andrew Shelley said: "There is no doubt that the game, already popular in England with 12,000 weekly participants, will grow to complement squash in many other countries.

"Whilst current players will doubtlessly still call Squash 57 by its old name, the change has formally been made. 

"As it grows, Squash 57 will be seen more clearly as a discipline of squash, and may even give us greater chance of adding it to major events such as the Commonwealth and other major Games in future."

Following consultation, which included a questionnaire to more than 20,000 England Squash members, focus groups, and consultation with other stakeholders including international federations and equipment manufacturers, the new name has been selected.

"We support the WSF's position and hope that an increased synergy between squash and Squash 57 will broaden appeal and create a stronger playing community," added England Squash chief executive Keir Worth.

"We are excited to be working in partnership with the WSF and will drive Squash 57 to the widest possible audience."

The game will officially become Squash 57 from October 1.