The decision came after a meeting of the Davis Cup Committee and the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) officials in London yesterday. The ITF, following the venue-switch of Pakistan’s first-round match against Lebanon, had confirmed to The Express Tribune and the PTF that any subsequent matches will be played on Pakistan’s preferred venue in the event of the country not being able to host it due to security concerns.
However, according to an ITF spokesperson, the PTF, despite the option, decided to play on the away venue.
“A country has to apply for the option of holding a tie on a neutral venue,” the ITF spokesperson told The Express Tribune. “But the PTF officials never wrote to us about it.”
Pakistan number one Aqeel Khan said that the ITF’s decision was disappointing and a major setback for Pakistan tennis.
“We always win the first round but we never progress in the competition because our home ties are switched on a regular basis,” said Khan. “It’s unfair to us. Hockey teams are coming to Pakistan, squash tournaments are also featuring foreign players and I don’t understand why the ITF can’t see that.
“It’s destroying Pakistan tennis. This time I was certain they’ll let us play in Lahore. I believe the PTF didn’t put forward the neutral venue option. It’s frustrating but in this case the PTF is responsible for this decision, their negligence is criminal.”
Published in The Express Tribune, March 3rd, 2012.
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