New Delhi: India have been drawn to play Pakistan in the World Group I Play-offs and the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) on
Thursday made it clear that it won’t agree to shift their home tie to a neutral venue this time.
India had drawn Pakistan in 2019 also but due to “security concerns” the Asia/Oceania Group I tie was shifted to Kazakhstan, a neutral venue.
As a mark of protest, Pakistan’s top players Aisam-ul-haq Qureshi and Aqeel Khan had opted not to play the tie in 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 won only seven games in the entire tie.
The ITF had agreed to shift the tie to a neutral venue in 2019 but it will be very tough for AITA
to convince the world governing body if the national federation pushes for a neutral venue.
Pakistan’s veteran player Aqeel Khan told PTI that they are hoping for the Indian team to travel to their nation.
“I hope they come and give us a chance to host,” Aqeel, 43, said.
Qureshi said, “Hopefully this time it will be played in Pakistan.”
Pakistan last week beat Indonesia 4-0 at home in the World Group II tie, played on grass courts in
Islamabad with Aqeel winning a singles and the doubles rubber.