Aisam pulls out of India tie in protest

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Aisa­mul Haq has pulled out of the forthcoming Davis Cup Group I tie against India, saying that he is 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 and have decided to hold it outside Pakistan at a neutral venue under Indian influence.

“The attitude towards Pakistan of both All Indian Tennis Association and ITF is highly deplorable, to say the least,” he said in a letter written to the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF).

Aisam mentioned recent sports events held in Pakistan and also the success of Royal family visit 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 members Indian tennis team visit Pakistan when they have assured them of extremely high level security protocol,” he mentioned.

“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.