India have been drawn to play Pakistan within the World Group I Play-offs and the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) on Thursday made it clear that it will not conform to shift their dwelling tie to a impartial venue this time.
India had drawn Pakistan in 2019 additionally however attributable to “safety issues” the Asia/Oceania Group I tie was shifted to Kazakhstan, a impartial venue.
As a mark of protest, Pakistan’s prime gamers Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and Aqeel Khan had opted to not play within the tie during which rookies Mohammed Shoaib, Huzaifa Abdul Rehman and Yousaf Khalil competed for them.
India had expectedly thrashed a weak Pakistan line-up 4-0. In a lop-sided contest, Pakistan gained solely seven video games in your complete tie.
The ITF had agreed to shift the tie to a impartial venue in 2019 however it will likely be very powerful for AITA to persuade the world governing physique if the nationwide federation pushes for a impartial venue.
Pakistan’s veteran participant Aqeel Khan instructed PTI that they’re hoping for the Indian staff to journey to their nation. “I hope they arrive and provides us an opportunity to host,” Aqeel, 43, mentioned.
Qureshi mentioned, “Hopefully this time it will likely be performed in Pakistan.” Pakistan final week beat Indonesia 4-0 at dwelling within the World Group II tie, performed on grass courts in Islamabad with Aqeel successful a singles and the doubles rubber.
PTF President Salim Saifullah Khan mentioned they are going to host India on grass court docket. “They need to come to Pakistan. It is not truthful that they don’t come to Pakistan. The Indian staff is a lot better than us. We’ve got an attractive lodge simply throughout the stadium. If Indians come it’s going to ship a superb message that we’re good neighbours,” Saifullah Khan instructed PTI.
If India resolve to journey, it will likely be the Davis Cup staff’s first go to throughout the border in 59 years, and solely third within the historical past of the staff match. The final time an Indian Davis Cup staff travelled to Pakistan was in 1964 when the guests beat the hosts 4-0.
Ramanathan Krishan had led the primary staff from India, which travelled to Pakistan in 1962. Pakistan has visited India thrice, however India has by no means misplaced to them in eight Davis Cup ties between the 2 nations.
“We’ve got hosted Lithuania, Slovakia, Korea, Iran and Thailand. All these nations have come and there have been no points.
“We cannot play on a impartial venue. If India doesn’t wish to come, we won’t play this tie. We’ll play on grass courts and the Indians are a greater staff. And in February-March, the climate is gorgeous in Islamabad,” Saifullah mentioned.