Pakistan to host first tennis league next year

ISLAMABAD: President Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) Aisamul Haq Qureshi has announced the launch of the country’s first-ever tennis league, slated for later next year.

Speaking during a meeting with the Executive Body of the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Sports Journalists Association (RISJA) at the PTF Complex on Thursday, Aisam unveiled his ambitious roadmap to elevate tennis as Pakistan’s second-most-followed sport.

“My dream is to see tennis flourish in every corner of Pakistan. Through the Pakistan Tennis League (PTL), we aim to create heroes, ignite passion, and bring the sport to mainstream limelight,” Aisam said.

The league, which he originally planned to launch this year, has been deferred to allow time for infrastructure upgrades. “I want the league to be a world-class event and for that, we must first put our house in order,” he said.

Aisam extended his gratitude to Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for pledging full support to renovate and modernise the PTF Complex. “Thanks to Minister Naqvi’s commitment, the CDA has already completed an initial site visit, and we are now awaiting the green light to begin upgrade work.”

Once upgraded, the complex will not only boast additional courts but also introduce Pakistan’s first-ever covered tennis courts, a major leap forward for year-round training. “Our players suffer greatly due to weather interruptions. Covered courts will offer uninterrupted training and nurture future champions,” Aisam said.

He also expressed his desire to invite the international tennis stars he has played with. “To host elite global players, we must create the right environment and it all starts with world-class infrastructure.”

Turning his attention to the upcoming Davis Cup clash against Paraguay in September, Aisam confirmed the national squad, which comprises Muzammil Murtaza, Aqeel Khan, Huzaifa Abdul Rehman, Aisam-ul-Haq himself, and rising star Mikaeel Ali Baig.

“Mikaeel, just 15, has shown incredible promise and is undoubtedly the future of Pakistan tennis. We’re backing him fully to evolve into a world-class player,” said the PTF President.

In preparation for the red clay surface in Paraguay, the team will undergo an intensive training camp in Turkey, given the absence of red clay facilities in Pakistan. “We must adapt to the conditions, and this training stint will prove vital,” Aisam added.

Reflecting on recent performances, he admitted that Pakistan should have secured victory against Barbados. “Although I wasn’t at full fitness for that tie, every possible resource and facility was made available. Since I assumed presidency, all Davis Cup ties have been played on foreign soil, a challenge we are determined to overcome.”

Aisam proudly highlighted Pakistan’s recent surge in the junior tennis circuit. “Our under-14 team defeating India in Sri Lanka was a defining moment. It shows the effectiveness of our junior development programme,” he said.

He further revealed that under his leadership, 21 wildcards were secured for Pakistani players in international events over the past year. The Federation will also host a J-60 Junior ITF event later this year, with plans to expand it to two such events next year. “We’re also working on introducing high-prize-money circuit events to give our players more incentive and exposure.”