Davis Cup: PTF’s laidback approach forced matches away

Independent firm found officials unsure about key security arrangements.

KARACHI: The International Tennis Federation’s (ITF) decision to move next year’s Davis Cup tie out of Pakistan was forced by a laidback approach on security issues by the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF), The Express Tribune has learnt.

An ITF spokesperson confirmed that an independent security firm was hired to assess the security situation in the country and a detailed report advised against holding matches in Pakistan. The PTF officials spoken to by the independent firm found many key plans in the air with officials unaware of when they would be implemented.

‘ITF governing board  to have final say’

“We hired independent consultants in order to gauge the situation in the country and the recommendation was to move the tie out of Pakistan,” an ITF spokesperson told The Express Tribune. “The PTF have exercised their right to appeal and the ITF governing board will have the final say.”

The PTF, according to an individual belonging to the independent firm, had seemed to miscalculate the gravity of the situation and with it being Lebanon and not a European nation, not enough importance was being given to security.

The PTF officials, according to the individual, had sent details to their Lebanese counterparts but it was the delay in finalising plans - ‘not a big deal since it was tennis and not cricket’, according to a PTF official - that remained a huge concern.

Meanwhile, PTF Secretary Mumtaz Yousaf was shocked by ITF’s decision especially after, according to him, Lebanon were ready to tour Pakistan. The ITF, however, confirmed that despite both side’s willingness, it still had a role to play when there is a potential threat to players or officials.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 29^th, 2011.