Aisam defends large entourage for Davis Cup tie

ISLAMABAD: As the Pakistan team is set to leave for Caribbean Island on Saturday to play against Barbados in the Davis Cup tie, the playing president of the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) defended the entourage accompanying the team to the Caribbean Island famous for spending luxurious holidays.

A nine-member squad including Secretary PTF Col (r) Ziauddin Tufail is expected to leave for Caribbean Island en route to England to play against Barbados in a tie to be held on September 14-15.

The other members of entourage are Aisamul Haq (President PTF/player), Aqeel Khan, Mohammad Shoaib, Yousaf Khalil and Ahmad Nael Qureshi (all players), Hamidul Haq (captain), Muhammad Khalid (coach), Ziauddin Tufail (Manager-Secretary PTF) and Mohammad Shahid (physio).

“My efforts have always been to include even more numbers in the future especially when it comes to competing in the away Davis Cup ties. You need a specialist for each and every position. I am the president who wants to spend on such tours in a way where a single player/official should not be asked to wear multiple hats. Recently, I have been asked to act as a player/coach and manager which I don’t think was suitable for the game. You see when other teams come to Pakistan for Davis Cup ties, they bring with them a bigger squad so being president I would also follow that,” Aisamul Haq said.

He added that an extra player has been included in the squad. “Since I have taken over as the PTF president my efforts have been to promote youngsters by giving them proper international exposure. That’s why extra players have been included in the squad. At the same time, I will make all possible efforts to bring finances to the federation’s kitty. If I succeed in doing that my future squad for away Davis Cup tie will be even bigger.”

When asked as to why Secretary Col (r) Zia whose basic job is to work at the office, has been included as a manager, Aisam said he was accommodated due to personal request.

“He is just new to the federation and wanted to accompany the team. I have given personal approval for his inclusion in the squad,” Aisam said. Meanwhile, on the team’s chances against Barbados, he said one of their players is good but Pakistan have good chances of making an impact.

“I am confident that we would be in a position to beat Barbados. The boys have trained hard and are also involved in a tournament ahead of the Davis Cup tie. So they are in good form to make an impact,” he said.

Aisam had to pull out of the doubles event of Khawar Hyat Memorial Tennis because of illness. “I won the previous match but was not feeling well and had to pull out of the tournament. Hopefully, in a couple of days, I will be alright.”