ITF declines Davis Cup relocation request

(PTF request to have Davis Cup ties moved back to the country has been rejected by International Tennis Federation.

KARACHI: The Pakistan Tennis Federation’s (PTF) request to have the Davis Cup ties moved back to the country has been rejected by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) that relocated it due to security fears.

The ITF, following a negative report by its security manager Ian Todd, who visited Pakistan last October, shifted Pakistan’s home Davis Cup Asia Oceania Group-II tie to Hong Kong who were initially drawn to visit Pakistan in March.

However, following the National Games success in Peshawar last month and willingness from foreign hockey and football teams to tour Pakistan, the PTF had asked the sport’s governing body to reverse its decision. However, the positive developments failed to convince the ITF who maintained their earlier stance, much to the disappointment of the PTF.

“The ITF has rejected our request after which Pakistan will have to play their home tie in Hong Kong,” the PTF Secretary Mumtaz Yousaf told The Express Tribune. “It is disappointing because the situation is improving in the country.”

According to Yousaf, the ITF refused to reconsider its decision because it has already finalised the schedule and the plans for the season and that they could not be altered this late.

“While the ITF refused to change the schedule, which they have already finalised, they have promised to support Pakistan and make us the hosts next season.”

Following the decision, the PTF is now planning to claim compensation from the ITF, according to Yousaf.

Pakistan has been deprived of hosting sports series and events at home due to other team’s reluctance to tour the country on security fears. Last year, the tennis team was forced to play their home ties against Hong Kong and New Zealand on foreign soil that forced the opponents’ home advantage. Pakistan lost both rounds and failed to advance in the Davis Cup.

Training camp starts from 15th

Pakistan’s women tennis team would start flexing their muscles for the Fed Cup in the training camp that starts from January 15 in Islamabad. Pakistan will be taking part in the tournament after almost a decade.

Pakistan’s top duo of Sara Mehboob and Sara Mansoor along with Saba Aziz are hoping to represent the country in the event that would be competed by 11 countries in Thailand next month.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 13^th, 2011.