Aisam lashes out at NZ for refusing to tour Pakistan

KARACHI: Pakistan tennis ace Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi has lambasted New Zealand for refusing to play in Pakistan, terming them a team who treated Pakistan in an “insulting”, “unfriendly” and “unsportsmanlike” manner.

Aisam has written a letter, a copy of which is available with ‘The News’, to Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF), informing them about his unavailability for Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group-I tie against New Zealand starting from September 16 at Christchurch, New Zealand.

“I am taking this opportunity to submit my contentions. It is a matter of record that my attitude, approach and conduct, on and off the courts, have been and shall remain to uphold the values, principles, and sanctity of the game compatible with the highest sportsmanship norms and practices at the domestic and international level,” stated Aisam.

He added that the uneventful, unjustified, and unprecedented award of the Davis Cup tie to New Zealand at Myanmar in 2013 didn’t only shock him and his team, but also countless tennis fans across the globe who learnt about the ITF referee’s bias and discrimination against Pakistan.

“New Zealand, I hoped, would make good of that conduct by accepting to come and play (second-round playoffs of group-I) in Pakistan. I have been thoroughly disappointed with New Zealand’s approach and attitude on both those occasions,” he said. 

On the contrary, he added, a negative image of Pakistan and the PTF was portrayed at international tennis forums as Pakistan failed to comply with established ground preparation rules and the match was abandoned.

“Even so we now had an opportunity to reinstate our unduly tarnished image by holding the forthcoming tie [from September 16-18] at a neutral venue in a befitting manner instead of surrendering our right of host country in favour of New Zealand but the PTF’s letting go of this graceful option has been heart-breaking,” he added.

Aisam said that due to the aforementioned circumstances, as a proud Pakistani with an incredible commitment, he did not find himself to be in a state of mind to go to New Zealand and play against such a team who treated his country in an “insulting”, “unfriendly” and “unsportsmanlike” manner. “I would request you to appreciate and understand my point of view for taking under reference decision and accept my regrets for being unavailable for this tie,” concluded Aisam.

It should be noted that the hosting rights of this tie were pulled from Pakistan due to security concerns. In the absence of Aisam, Pakistan’s seasoned player Aqeel Khan will be the captain of the team while Abid Ali Akbar and Samir Iftikhar will be regular players.

This is a must-win tie for both the teams to stay in group-I. Pakistan have played four ties against New Zealand and won only one.

In April 2013, New Zealand defeated Pakistan 4-1 in Group-II Asia/Oceania semi-final at Pun Hlaing Golf & Country Club, Yangon, Myanmar. In July 2010, they beat Pakistan again 3-2 in Group-II Asia/Oceania semi-final at Taranaki, New Zealand, on hard surface.

In September 2004, Pakistan overcame New Zealand 3-2 in Group-I Asia/Oceania final at Islamabad Club, Islamabad, on clay surface. In February 2003, New Zealand thrashed Pakistan 5-0 in Group-I Asia/Oceania first round in New Zealand.