Karachi: The Pakistan Tennis Federation
should have taken a stronger stand on ITF's decision to shift
the Davis Cup tie against New Zealand from Lahore fearing
security concerns, feels ace player Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi.
"I just think that this time the PTF should have done
more on this issue. We should not have accepted this lying
down," Qureshi said.
The International Tennis Federation has moved the
Asia-Oceania Group-II Davis Cup semi-final tie from Lahore to
New Zealand after the Kiwis were reluctant to travel to
Pakistan because of the volatile security situation.
Incidentally, this was the third time since last year
that Pakistan has lost its Davis Cup home ties because of
security concerns.
Qureshi said the players were fed up of playing their
home ties in other countries as by doing so they lose out on
home advantage.
PTF, meanwhile, has asked ITF to hold the semi-final tie
at a neutral venue like Dubai or Malaysia instead of having it
in New Zealand. But Qureshi said it was not a solution.
"We have not played a Davis Cup tie at home since last
three years which is very disappointing for all of us," he
said.
The PTF has also demanded USD 100,000 as compensation due
to the relocation of the tie.
"Unless our young players get a chance to play against
international competition at home, how will Pakistan tennis
progress," Qureshi said.
PTI
First Published: Sunday, March 21, 2010, 21:55