Aisam wants Pak’s Davis Cup semi-final against Philippines to be played in India

Islamabad -  Pakistani tennis ace Aisamul Haq Qureshi wants April’s Davis Cup Asia/Oceania group II semi-final against Philippines to be played in India.

After the International Tennis Federation’s (ITF) refused to host any international tennis matches in Pakistan, Aisam suggested that it could be held either in Delhi or Chandigarh.

“I don’t know whether the ITF will allow us to host or not but in the event of the tie taking place at neutral venue, I think playing in India will help us a lot,” The Express Tribune quoted Aisam, as saying. 

“We didn’t have helpful conditions in Lebanon but the grass courts in India will definitely help us. Grass is also our preferred surface. The Indian authorities even agreed to host us last year and I think the PTF should consider it as an option. It will also help cordial ties between the neighbours,” he added.

The ITF, however, is awaiting a proposal from the PTF on where they want to play the tie, following which a decision will be taken by the governing body over its feasibility pending a security review.

“The PTF needs to apply to either host the event or suggest a neutral venue, the choice is theirs. The ball is in their court. If necessary, we’ll commission out an independent security review according to what the PTF suggests in their proposal,” an ITF spokesperson said.