KARACHI: Forced by the International Tennis Federation’s (ITF) refusal to allow ties to be played in Pakistan, Aisamul Haq Qureshi wants April’s Davis Cup Asia/Oceania group II semi-final against Philippines to be played in India.
Pakistan beat Lebanon 3-2 in Beirut to qualify for the semis after the tie was shifted away from Lahore on security grounds. The ITF has confirmed to The Express Tribune that it was up to the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) to suggest the semi-final venue. However, with the ITF’s reluctance to host any international tennis matches in Pakistan, Aisam has suggested taking on Philippines in Delhi or Chandigarh.
“I don’t know whether the ITF will allow us to host or not but in the event of the tie taking place at neutral venue, I think playing in India will help us a lot,” Aisam told The Express Tribune from Rotterdam. “We didn’t have helpful conditions in Lebanon but the grass courts in India will definitely help us. Grass is also our preferred surface. The Indian authorities even agreed to host us last year and I think the PTF should consider it as an option. It will also help cordial ties between the neighbours.”
The ITF, however, awaits a proposal from the PTF on where they want to play the tie, following which a decision will be taken by the governing body over its feasibility pending a security review.
“The PTF needs to apply to either host the event or suggest a neutral venue, the choice is theirs,” said an ITF spokesperson. “The ball is in their court. If necessary, we’ll commission out an independent security review according to what the PTF suggests in their proposal.”
The PTF has also expressed its desire to host the tie in Dubai but is also keen to play in India where it expects support from locals as well as the travelling Pakistan fans. Meanwhile, after a close win over Lebanon, Aisam hoped for favourable conditions in the semi-final that will aid the team as well as promote the sport in the country.
“It’s always tough to play away from home. The clay wasn’t the same there and neither were the type of balls used. We’ve never lost a Davis Cup tie in Pakistan so we have a stronghold here. Our players aren’t used to playing abroad so it’s a tough ask. Hopefully, we can carry on this winning momentum.”
Published in The Express Tribune, February 18th, 2012.
COMMENTS (24)
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@Akthar: I dont understand why all famous Paki Personalities Go Bonkers for India..
May be, they all experienced India themselves rather than listening to some red cap wearing extremist. They realized that whatever they have been told about India is completely wrong :) We, in India, are very receptive of all people. Yes, that includes people from Pakistan too, but only the good ones. You can keep the rest :) Mr. Quarshi is very welcome to come to India and play.
@Ali:
Its not as safe as he thinks. Go to Dubai
Your commonwealth team which was in delhi thinks otherwise. Most pakistanis artistes/celebriries visiting india simply love it here,
@Akthar:
India is a more fun place.
More glamour, entertainmennt , money etc.....
What else can u do in pakistan?, apart from getting dressed up and go to a mcdonald's.
@saleem: don't be a victim of prejudice. see this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47u_QPO6EGU
Aisam , welcome to India. am sure Pakistan will sweep the match in India. This match matters alot to both the countries. you will have the support of not only Pakis but the Indians too.
@Akthar: Good observation. There is a reason for is. Because at a deep level, most pakistanis love mother india and in their psyche, they miss india and long for her love the way a child longs for its mother. When they come to india, or once the hate drops, their heart opens up as they reconnect with their hindu roots and they realize that they are indian and hindu in their deep hearts and only muslim and pakistani because of an accident of history. They secretly feel a lot of love and longing for india because they have reconnected with the mother country and the mother culture. You are but an estranged child of mother india and sanatan dharma. (And i say this as i give you a brotherly hug.)
@Akthar: In India we know that we can never be in the good graces of the Pakistani Hardliners like Zaid Hamid and Ahmed Quarishi and Hafeez Saeed.
But it is sad that in Pakistan, amongst the regular educated folks who speak the english language (indicating good education and exposure to international news media) enjoy Tennis, cricket, Bollywood etc , a big majority hate anything and everything associated with India.
Go to cricket match in UAE and you would hardly find an Indian spectator supporting Pakistan. If he is expecting the Indians crowd to support Pakistan team when they are playing Philippines in Delhi then I think he is dead wrong. It will be worst then an away series
@Akthar: " ... I dont understand why all famous Paki Personalities Go Bonkers for India.. .. "
India is starting to absorb the cream of your society. Think of it as returning to the mother country.
There is a guy like afridi who makes fanatical statements and then there is Aisam...
Aisam has traveled the World and is mature enough to know that conditions, weather, food etc in Both India and Pakistan are similar. He does not consider India an enemy country as imagined by many others. Hope he wins wherever he plays.
Aisam, you are gem of a guy with a level head above your shoulder. Your-self along with the Pakistani team are most welcome to India and rest assured, all of you would receive full support from the Indian spectators.
Aisam, think of India as your home away from home. Best wishes for your matches.
I dont understand why all famous Paki Personalities Go Bonkers for India.. The Cricketers want to play IPL, Veena Malik and all famous Artists, and now Aisam... ....
Shame
Aisam, it will be a pleasure to host your Davis Cup tie in India. You are no foreigner to us. We follow you along with Rohan Boppana. We love tennis and you will have home town support from the crowd wherever you play in India.
No Aisam you are wrong, Arabi soil will be more suitable to you as your fellow countrymen believe Pakistanis are of Arab origin :)
Aisam : You are welcome to play in India. We wish you all the very best+.
one pakistani youngster who thinks right.
@Ali: Please comprehend the article and then comment on what Aisam has said, u hve taken him out of context bro.
@Ali,
"Jews were attacked last week in India."
Huh? Oh you mean the bomb set off by Iranians on an Israeli embassy car? How many died? Zero..
No Iranian secret agents will attack Pakistanis, dont worry. You are safer here than even in Pakistan.
@Ali: Should he be obsessed with Dubai instead? Jews were attacked: what about people being attacked in Pakistan, then inviting anyone to Pakistan must be a hypocrisy, isn't it?
An another celebrity of Pakistan who is obsessed with India. Jews were attacked last week in India. Its not as safe as he thinks. Go to Dubai.