Davis Cup: Aisam’s withdrawal throws Pakistan in a fix

Tennis ace claims he took decision in light of New Zealand’s ‘unsporting’ behaviour in 2013

KARACHI: Tennis ace Aisamul Haq Qureshi, yesterday, withdrew from Pakistan’s crucial Davis Cup Asian-Oceania Zone’s Group I tie against New Zealand, leaving captain Aqeel Khan in a fix over the country’s chances of winning the match.

Pakistan are scheduled to play their home tie from September 16 to 18 in Christchurch, New Zealand as the International Tennis Federation (ITF) once again deemed Pakistan unsafe for the matches.

Aisam’s decision came as a surprise to the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) and his teammates but Aqeel feels his long-time doubles partner’s decision is justified.



“Aisam isn’t playing because of New Zealand’s lack of sportsmanship, basically,” Aqeel told The Express Tribune.  “We had a terrible experience with them in 2013. Any world-class player would feel wary of playing with opponents like New Zealand, who had abandoned the tie because they were losing and making excuses about poor conditions of the court.”

US Open’s 2012  doubles finalist Aisam had noted in his letter to the PTF that his decision to withdraw was based on New Zealand players’ insistence to abandon the 2013 Group II tie in Myanmar — which was being hosted by Pakistan. The tie was then awarded to the visitors despite Pakistan’s consistent appeal to continue the game.



For Pakistan, Aisam’s absence means a major setback as they will only have three regular players competing instead of four.

Besides Aqeel, the other two players in the squad are Samir Iftikhar and Abid Ali Akbar, while the PTF may nominate Babar Ali Khan as the fourth player.

PTF Secretary Khalid Rehman said that Pakistan was unable to hold the tie at a neutral venue, this time due to lack of funds.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 7^th, 2016.

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