Tennis: Samir is not the country's tennis future

PTF rules out Samir as potential replacement for Aisam, Aqeel.

KARACHI:

As Pakistan look to find Aisamul Haq Qureshi’s replacement, the option of the country’s former number two Samir Iftikhar has been ruled out by the tennis federation.

Despite Samir’s participation in international events regularly, Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) Secretary Mumtaz Yousuf said that the player cannot represent the country for another three years due to his academic commitments. Samir, who has been taking part in US and UK events, irked the PTF after his withdrawal from the country’s Davis Cup tie against South Korea after the team had already lost 3-1 after poor performances. However, Samir’s last-minute withdrawal was a source of ‘embarrassment’ for the PTF.

“Samir can’t represent the country in any capacity,” Yousuf told The Express Tribune. “He’s bound by his university since he got in on a tennis scholarship and he can only represent them. We don’t mind him playing for Pakistan but he’s not available. Even if he is playing tournaments in the UK or US, he is not representing Pakistan — it is the university scholarship that is taking him to places. As far as domestic tennis is concerned, he can’t play in Pakistan.”

The PTF secretary added that the PTF was observing caution since the 18-year-old has already been a source of humiliation.

“The ITF asked us why he did not play the tie [against South Korea], and we had no answer. Samir claimed to be fit and willing but in Korea, he went back on his word. He also hid the fact that he is barred from representing any club other than the university. The scenario made quite a scene on the international level.”

However Yousuf said that the PTF is still willing to include him for Pakistan fixtures — provided the player makes a commitment to the national team.

Published In The Express Tribune, June 13^th, 2012.