PTF’s direct induction policy disappointing local talent

KARACHI: Pakistan Tennis Federation’s (PTF) policy of direct induction of players in the national team through Presidential wildcards for Davis Cup ties has been disappointing local talent.

Recently, president PTF Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi gave wildcard to Nael Qureshi and inducted him in the national team for Davis Cup tie against Barbados in September. He lost in the second round of ongoing ITF J60 in Qatar against Uzbekistan’s Abdulaziz Usmonjonov 6-4, 6-3 while Nael and his partner Bilal also lost in doubles 6-3, 6-3 to Muaz Malik (USA) and Ved Shetty (IND).

Bilal lost to Arnav Paparkar 6-2, 6-0 in the second round of TF J60 (2nd lowest category tournament) in Qatar. Last week, both players lost in the initial rounds of 1st leg of ITF J60 Qatar in their single and double matches.

“It is high time for PTF management to review the direct selection of such non-deserving players in the Davis Cup team of Pakistan,” said former Davis Cup captain Hameed-ul-Haq while talking to The News. Meanwhile, Suleman Junaid, SEVP PTF, and Aqeel Khan, Director Training & Evaluation, while discussing this issue with this scribe said they would discuss the direct induction of Nael in Davis Cup team during the Executive Committee meeting of PTF soon.