Aisam withdrew from the tie, which starts on April 6, after being ruled out of action for several weeks due to a knee injury. Jalil Khan was named his replacement but Aisam’s absence, with all his international experience, will be a huge setback to Pakistan’s hopes and chances.
However, Aisam felt the team has the potential of winning the tie without him.
“The team has the potential,” Aisam told The Express Tribune. “Philippines have inexperienced players and our team is still better despite my absence. Aqeel Khan has plenty of experience and his form will be crucial to Pakistan’s chances.”
Meanwhile, Aisam said that he was left with no choice after being warned by experts that the injury could turn chronic if he persisted on playing.
“I had been carrying the injury for six weeks. I even played our last Davis Cup tie in pain. I cannot perform further by carrying such an injury and playing the singles matches have become impossible. It’s better to give some other player a chance. Hopefully, my decision will go in Pakistan’s favour.”
The tennis player added that was not in a position to plan on his international assignments.
“Right now I cannot even train properly. I will decide in a week’s time after taking advice from doctors.”
Published in The Express Tribune, March 31st, 2012.
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I guess Aisam saw the writing on the wall. Aisam is not good enough singles player to beat world number 500 at the moment. He is only fit enough to play doubles. However it is poor form from him to not play Davis Cup just because he knows he can be embarrassed in singles matches.