Davis Cup: Aisam wants ‘home’ ties in India

ITF awaits Pakistan’s proposal on where they want to take on Philippines.

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 18^th, 2012.