Compensate us for taking away our home ties: Pak Tennis Body

Karachi: Pakistan Tennis Federation has demanded a compensation of USD 90,000 from the International Tennis Federation (ITF), for shifting its home Davis Cup ties out of the country due to security concerns.

PTF President official said the compensation claim has been sent to the ITF and would be discussed at the next meeting of the world governing body of the game, in February. "We have lost the hosting rights of three important Davis Cup ties since last year and not only have we suffered financial losses but also the advantage of playing at home," PTF President, Dilawar Abbas said. The ITF last year moved Pakistan`s home Davis Cup ties against Oman and Philippines from Lahore and Islamabad after the two teams refused to travel to Pakistan because of the security situation in the country. The ITF has also moved this year`s Davis Cup tie against Hong Kong from Lahore. "The shifting of these ties is a big setback for us and we are hoping that the ITF will financially compensate us the losses we suffered because of not being able to organise these matches," Abbas said. He said initially the ITF had turned down Pakistan`s compensation claim on the grounds that Pakistan would still get a share of the international sponsorship for these ties. "But now they have agreed to have another look at our claims and if the ITF body can`t reach a decision, the matter can also be sent to the international court of sports arbitration," Abbas said. PTI