Tennis Davis Cup: ITF yet to decide on neutral venue

Pakistan hope to play tie against NZ in Myanmar.

KARACHI: Pakistan’s fate in this year’s Davis Cup Asia-Oceania zone group II tie against New Zealand remains undecided as the International Tennis Federation (ITF) has not made its decision on the round II venue yet.

The Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) are waiting to hear from the ITF about playing the tie in Myanmar in April — the neutral venue chosen by Pakistan to face their opponents.

According to the ITF officials, the Davis Cup Committee has now forwarded the case to the ITF Board, who is considering the request.

“The decision from the ITF was expected yesterday, but the board is now looking into the matter,” an ITF official told The Express Tribune.

“So far none of the countries have played their Davis Cup ties on a neutral venue; however, the board will announce the venue early next week.”



If the ITF takes the decision in New Zealand’s favour, the team will have to travel to Auckland for the ties. Pakistan have won only one tie against New Zealand and lost two while playing in Auckland.

Meanwhile, a former Davis Cupper Hamidul Haq said it was unlikely that the ITF would take the decision in Pakistan’s favour.

“At least in the last 20 years, the Davis Cup has not been held at any neutral venue so it is unlikely for it to happen now,” said Haq.

“It creates too much of a fuss to hold the tie in another country with regards to finances as well. But it is unfair to Pakistan because these players need a grass surface. We can win against New Zealand on grass, but on a hard court, it is difficult.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 26^th, 2013.