Aisam pulls out of Davis Cup tie to protest against ITF’s decision

ISLAMABAD: Aisamul Haq has pulled out of the forthcoming Davis Cup Group I tie against India, saying he was deeply saddened by the ITF attitude that continues to insist to take away the hosting rights from Pakistan.

“I have been deeply saddened to learn from you that ITF continues to insist to take away our right of holding Davis Cup tie against India at our home ground . . . under Indian influence,” he said in a letter written to Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF). “The attitude towards Pakistan of both All Indian Tennis Association and ITF is highly deplorable, to say the least,” he added.

Aisam mentioned recent sports events held in Pakistan and also the visit of some of Europe’s royal family members’ to Pakistan. “Her Majesty the Queen of Holland is visiting Pakistan this week. Recently football stars like Kaka, Figo and Puyol visited Pakistan. If everyone else can come including hundreds of other Indians every day then why can’t a few member Indian tennis team visit Pakistan when Pakistan has assured them of extremely high level security protocol,” he said.

“If ITF does not correct their wrong decision then as a protest against this unjust, unfair and biased decision I want to raise my voice and hereby announce not to participate in this tie if it takes place outside Pakistan,” Aisam said.