PTF president Salim Saifullah Khan gestures during a news conference on Tuesday.—Mohammad Asim/White Star

       ISLAMABAD: Emphasising that sports should be kept separate from politics, president of the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) Salim Saifullah Khan on Tuesday called for resuming sports diplomacy between Pakistan and India.

       Addressing a press conference here at the PTF Complex, Sailm said that it is unfortunate that the incumbent Indian government tried to mix politics with sports.

       The All-India Tennis Association (AITA) earlier this year filed a case before the ITF Davis Cup Committee (DCC) for shifting the forthcoming Pakistan-India Davis Cup tie to a neutral venue. However, the DCC rejected the Indian plea after which the country filed an appeal before an independent tribunal, which also upheld the DCC decision.

       Now, India has no option but to visit Pakistan for the tie. Otherwise, Pakistan will be given a walkover.

       The tie is originally scheduled to be staged in Islamabad during February next year.

       “Unfortunately, the Indian government just for [its] political purposes tried to shift the Davis Cup tie from Pakistan. They are mixing tennis with politics,” Salim said.

       “The tie will be held during the first week of February and the PTF will hold it in a befitting manner as it had been doing for the last several years.”

       Pakistan’s best team comprising veterans Aisam-ul-Haq and Aqeel Khan along with Mohammad Abid, Mohammad Shoaib and Barkatullah will be in action against India, the PTF chief said.

       Meanwhile, Saifullah said that the AITA had sent the list of visiting team and officials for the Davis Cup tie.

       Published in Dawn, December 27th, 2023