Davis Cup: Pakistan set sights on promotion to Group I
The seasoned coach said that the participating team will have a strong side with Aisamul Haq Qureshi and Aqeel Khan leading the way.
Pakistan have a better over-all record against Thailand 4-3. However, they lost their last two ties in 2004 and 2005.
“It’s not going to be easy, but we have a shot,” Khalid told The Express Tribune. “Aisam and Aqeel will be our key players, but Muhammad Abid and Yasir Khan will be there too.
“It’s challenging because we’ll be playing on their home turf, so of course Thailand have an edge. But hopefully we’ll win and qualify for Group I.”
Khalid is training Abid and Yasir in the camp, while Aqeel will join them on Wednesday.
“Aqeel is an important player, and he’ll be with us shortly. He had a shoulder injury but is recovering well,” said Khalid.
The Davis Cup team is scheduled to leave for Thailand on September 6 for the tie that will start from September 12.
Pakistan’s chance to get promoted to Group I came after nine years.
“We’ll leave earlier so that we can train in Thailand as well,” said Khalid. “We want our players to get accustomed to the weather and conditions there before the tie. Aisam will be joining us directly from his ATP tour.”
The non-playing captain said that the tie will be tough as Pakistan will be playing on their opponent’s turf.
“Grass is our favourite surface, but not being able to play on our home ground has been a drawback. For this tie, I believe that we are lucky we have Aisam, who is competing in the international professional circuit.”
Pakistan won their Group II semi-final against the Philippines 3-2 in April.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 27th, 2014.
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