Pakistan file appeal against ITF decision
Pakistan has filed an appeal with the International Tennis Federation (ITF), challenging its decision to shift the Davis Cup tie against India to a neutral venue, assuring that Islamabad is a good place to host the tie.
The Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) President Salim Saifullah said that a formal appeal has been filed with the ITF and were expecting a positive response by 15 November. "We have pointed out that we are fully prepared to host India for the Davis Cup tie as there is no security issue and nor should political ties between the two countries over-ride our chance of hosting a major event," Saifullah said.
"I think our case is very strong because there is no viable argument for shifting the tie to a neutral venue," he further added.
Saifullah also said if their appeal was not accepted, the PTF had some other backup options and was working on those. "We may tell the ITF that we'll not nominate the neutral venue. We'll request it to ask AITA to choose where its outfit wants to play," he commented.
Speaking about reasons Indian officials withdrew from playing the tie in Pakistan, he explained, "They highlighted to the ITF about JUI-F leadership's aggressive attitude. We have a very good chance of beating India on our grass courts and the Indians know this that is why they are using all tactics to delay and shift the tie.”
Pakistan's top players and seasoned campaigners, Aisam-ul-Haq and Aqeel Khan have also criticised the decision of the ITF to allow a shift in the Davis Cup venue.
from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2Q8pxsw
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