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Friday March 29, 2024

Pakistan to field five players against Uzbeks

By Abdul Mohi Shah
February 19, 2018

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will field a five-member team against Uzbekistan in the Davis Cup Asia Oceania Group I tie set to be held at the Islamabad Sports Complex grass courts on April 6-7.

Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) President Salim Saifullah Khan confirmed during a media talk on Sunday that a five-member team instead of four (fielded against South Korea) would be selected for the Group I tie against Uzbekistan.

“Earlier, we were not clear as which player to include as fifth member of the team against Korea. Now we have decided to hold trials to pick two players. Aisamul Haq, Aqeel Khan and Muzammil Murtaza will be automatic choices for the tie while rest of the two positions will be decided after trials,” Salim Saifullah said.

He maintained that making any change in the winning combination close to another tie would be unjust. “Abid Ali Akbar would not be able to represent the country this time meaning that two players would be selected to make a team of five.”

The federation came under scathing criticism for failing to make the best use of home tie against Korea with even international Aisamul Haq coming out open to point the gross miss. Former players, officials and even tennis critics expressed their surprise over PTF decision not to take home advantage by refusing youngsters a chance to feel a part of Davis Cup team.

Salim Saifullah termed the victory against powerful Korean team as a landmark achievement. “The PTF has given Pakistan team a perfect stage in shape of gross courts and Aisam and Aqeel again came out blazing. There services for the tennis in the country are second to none.”

The PTF president, who just returned from Doha (Qatar) after attending the Asian body meeting, revealed that Pakistan would host six ITF juniors next year. “Since you have to apply almost a year in advance, this fall we only are holding one ITF junior event. Next year we would Insha Allah organise six tournaments, which would be sort of record.”

Salim Saifullah, who was accompanied by Khawar Hayat, Saeed Khan and Arif Qureshi, said that the PTF had opposed the idea of giving ranking points to players who would compete in the 50,000 dollars or over prize money tournaments.

“We feel that is unjust. Country like Pakistan could only host $10,000 to 15,000 events. We also favoured the idea of hosting the Davis Cup ties on Saturday and Sunday.”

He called on the Indian government to set the doors open for Pakistan tennis players. “Look six Indian players are here for ITF juniors. Almost seven played in the ITF Futures. We don’t get or ever tried to get political millage out of sports. India should do the same.”