Despite security concerns in Myanmar, Aisam is hopeful of a good performance on the grass courts. PHOTO: AFP
The tie will take place on April 5 at the Pun Hlaing Golf & Country Club in Yangon. However, PTF secretary Mumtaz Yousuf said that the officials are concentrating on ensuring the security around the venue as the situation in the host country may put off the matches.
“We have assured the International Tennis federation (ITF) as well that the venue is safe,” Yousuf told The Express Tribune. “The security situation in Yangon is generally bad but we hope the ties will take place according to the schedule. But we will remain on alert until the event’s culmination on April 7.
“Meanwhile, we are confident that Pakistan has an upper-hand in the tie. We have grass courts, we are hosting the tie on a neutral venue and Aisamul Haq Qureshi’s win at the Miami Open will put psychological pressure on New Zealand.”
If the team wins this tie, Pakistan will play the third round against the Philippines or Thailand in September.
Aisam and New Zealand squad reach Yangon
PTF official Arif Qureshi said that the Pakistan and New Zealand squads were comfortable in the environment there and the teams were practicing at the golf club before the tie.
The national squad left for Myanmar on March 31, the same day that the Kiwis arrived. Aisam joined the team yesterday.
“Hosting the matches here in Yangon is a great effort by the PTF,” said Aisam. “The tie will be a tough one. It’s very hot and humid in Myanmar.”
On the other hand, according to Aisam’s doubles partner in the Davis Cup ties and Pakistan number one Aqeel Khan, the security situation in Yangon could have postponed the tie, but since the ITF is also hosting other tournaments in Myanmar they were not in the position to cancel the game.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 3rd, 2013.
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Should not Pakistanis be bycotting Myanmar in solidarity of Myanmar's muslims?