India draws with Pakistan in Davis Cup, PTF rejects neutral venue

India is attracted to play Pakistan in the World Group I play-offs and the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) made it clear on Thursday that it will not agree to change its home tie to a neutral venue this time. India had also drawn with Pakistan in 2019, but due to “security concerns”, the Asia-Oceania Group I tie was moved to Kazakhstan, a neutral venue.

As a sign of protest, Pakistan’s top players Aisam-ul-haq Qureshi and Aqeel Khan opted not to play the tie in which rookies Mohammed Shoaib, Huzaifa Abdul Rehman and Yousaf Khalil competed for them. India was expected to have thrashed a weak Pakistan line-up 4-0. In a lopsided contest, Pakistan won only seven games in the entire tie.

The ITF had agreed to move the tie to a neutral venue in 2019, but it will be very difficult for the 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 hope the Indian team travels to his nation.

“I hope they come and give us a chance to host,” said Aqeel, 43.

Qureshi said: “I hope this time it will be played in Pakistan.”

Last week, Pakistan beat Indonesia 4-0 at home in the World Group II tie, played on grass courts in Islamabad, with Aqeel winning the singles and doubles match. Salim, president of the PTF Saifullah Khan They said they will host India on a grass field.

“They should come to Pakistan. It’s not fair that they don’t come to Pakistan. The Indian team is much better than us. We have a beautiful hotel right opposite the stadium. If the Indians come, it will send a good message that we are good.” neighbors,” Saifullah Khan told PTI.

If India decides to travel, it will be the Davis Cup team’s first visit across the border in 59 years, and only the third in the history of the team tournament. The last time an Indian Davis Cup team traveled to Pakistan was in 1964, when the visitors beat the hosts 4-0.

Ramanathan Krishan had led the first Indian team, which traveled to Pakistan in 1962. Pakistan has visited India three times, but India has never lost to them in eight Davis Cup ties between the two countries.

“We have received Lithuania, Slovekia, Korea, Iran, Thailand. All these countries have come and there have been no problems.

“We will not play at a neutral venue. If India does not want to come, we will not play this tie. We will play on grass pitches and the Indians are a better team. And in February-March, the weather is wonderful.” in Islamabad,” Saifullah said.

When asked if the Indian team will travel to Pakistan, All India Tennis Association (AITA) general secretary Anil Dhupar told PTI: “It is too early to comment.”

“We have not yet received a letter from the ITF. After receiving it, we will seek clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs like last time,” Dhupar said from Cancun, Mexico, where he went to attend the ITF Annual General Assembly.