ITF signals return of tennis in Pakistan
Abbas represented PTF in the ITF annual general meeting in Washington in which the PTF chief discussed several matters pertaining to the game in the country.
“Overall, the talks were constructive with the ITF hinting at the return of international tennis in Pakistan during discussions,” PTF Secretary Rashid Khan told The Express Tribune. “The ITF has assured their full support and promised to create a special window for the world junior tournament early next year to compensate for the losses we faced due to the cancellation of the tournament,” he said regarding Pakistan’s loss of hosting rights of the major ITF junior tournament which was scheduled in Islamabad this month.
“They will review the security situation in December before giving permission to hold the mega event.”
Pakistan had to play its home Davis Cup tie in New Zealand earlier this year after the Kiwis refused to play in the country due to security concerns. Pakistan were also stripped of their home ties last year when Hong Kong and Oman opted out of the tour due to the same reasons.
“Abbas has conveyed to the tennis chiefs that Pakistan wants to play on their chosen neutral venues if countries continue to show their reluctance to tour and the ITF has promised to consider the request. It is up to the Davis Cup draws after which we will know whether we have to host the event or have to play away the tie.”
The PTF, however, received a cold shoulder from the ITF on demands of compensation for losing the hosting rights of the Davis Cup clash against New Zealand. “We are not hopeful of getting a huge compensation because the ITF has not given a positive response in this regard.”
Published in The Express Tribune, September 8th, 2010.
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