PTF sends an application to ITF to appeal against venue shifting of Davis Cup tie – Tennis News
International Tennis Federation decided to shift the Davis Cup contests between Pakistan and Lebanon from Pakistan. The matches were decided to be played in Lahore but it was decided to shift the matches as the security arrangements
were not satisfactory.
Terrorist attacks and the danger of inflicting dengue to the players were the main reasons that were put forth by the International Tennis Federation in the explanation provided to the Pakistan tennis Federation.
Mumtaz Yousuf, Secretary of the Pakistan Tennis Federation, was feeling extremely dejected over the decision of ITF and said “We are very disappointed at the ITF decision. We have filed an appeal with them to reconsider as there
is still time for the event."
There was no issue raised by the Lebanese players and they were totally ready to have a Davis Cup battle in Lahore but ITF made this decision on their own. Pakistan has been deprived of international sporting events since 9/11.
Terrorist activities and attacks on international teams during their visits to Pakistan have made it the most vulnerable country.
Yousuf further added “The Lebanon tennis federation had accepted our invitation to play in Pakistan provided we guaranteed foolproof security for their players and we were doing that.”
Pakistan has been playing their home ties of Davis Cup outside Pakistan. They faced the teams of Hong Kong, Philippines, Oman and New Zealand since 2010 and all matches were conducted outside Pakistan because the security conditions
were not satisfactory.
ITF was initially happy in contesting the Lebanon tie in Pakistan that was scheduled to be played in February, next year, but recently decided to shift the place. Previously, the venue was shifted on the request of teams playing
a tie. This time the team was ready but ITF decided to change the venue.
Yousuf said “We are disappointed because we were making proper arrangements for the event and we had also kept the ITF informed about our security plans.” He was angered at the fact that ITF didn’t even visited Pakistan to see
the security arrangements and decided bluntly to change the venue. It will hamper the effort put forth by upcoming tennis stars in Pakistan because this is a heart breaking news for them as they wanted to see some world class action in their homeland after
such a long break.
Pakistani tennis ace, Aisam-ul-Haq proclaimed that it will be extremely difficult for Pakistani player to make it to the advanced rounds of Davis Cup if they are not allowed to play at home. The application to reconsider this decision
is put forth by PTF but a reply is still pending.
Tags: