Islamabad: Pakistan has appealed against its
Davis Cup Asia Oceania tie being switched to New Zealand over
security fears, demanding it should be played at a neutral
venue, officials said today.
Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) secretary Rashid Khan
said an appeal has been lodged with the board of the
International Tennis Federation, which made the decision last
week.
"We have appealed that the tie should be relocated to a
neutral country like Malaysia or Dubai because by playing in
New Zealand we lose the advantage," Khan told AFP.
Pakistan was due to host the Group II second-round tie
from July 9-11. The PTF initially protested over the switch
but a series of blasts, notably in Lahore earlier this month,
forced them to accept they cannot host it at home.
Tennis New Zealand last week said the ITF had reversed
its choice of venue "due to the existing security concerns
that continue to surround the hosting of sporting events in
Pakistan".
Tennis New Zealand said it expected to confirm the new
venue for the tie next month.
"We are quite hopeful that our appeal will be considered
and we have also demanded USD 100,000 dollars in compensation
as we stand to lose money by relocation," said Khan.
Pakistan's top tennis player Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi voiced
disappointment over the relocation.
"It is unfortunate that I have not been able to play a
Davis Cup match in Pakistan for three years. This time too the
tie has been shifted which harms the progress of the game in
our country," said Qureshi.
Last year Pakistan was forced to play its home Davis Cup
ties against Oman and Philippines in their rivals' countries
over security fears.
Bureau Report
First Published: Saturday, March 20, 2010, 22:45