LAHORE: The International Tennis Federation (ITF) stuck to its earlier decision of holding the 1st round of Davis Cup tie between Pakistan and Iran at Islamabad early next year.
"The ITF has informed the President of the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) that the ITF Board of Directors had upheld the decision of the Davis Cup Committee to allow the 1st Round Tie, Pak Vs Iran, in Islamabad.
This was very welcome news, not only for the entire tennis fraternity alone, but also for other sports bodies in the country, as it would send out a positive signal for other international teams to also come to Pakistan, as witnessed recently in the case of Squash and Badminton", Muhammad Khalid Rehmani, Secretary., PTF on Wednesday.
He said on December five, the Iran Tennis Federation exercised its right and appealed the ITF to review the decision of the Davis Cup Committee.
"Hosting of home ties in Pakistan had been denied for the last twelve years. However, the independent Security Consultants of the ITF had given their recommendations for approval to the Davis Cup Committee of the ITF", said the PTF official.
Meanwhile President of the PTF, Salim Saifullah Khan, was delighted on receiving a reconfirmation of the venue and praised the efforts of the government for improving the security situation and for supporting the cause to bring the event back to Pakistan.
He expressed his joy, saying that Pakistani players will get a chance to play before home crowds after a long time, and our people will also get to see their heroes in action.
The Tie is to be held from February 3-5, next year in Islamabad. The Pakistan Sports Board and the PTF will be working out the infrastructural and operational requirements for the event. Preparations are likely to begin in a couple of days to host the event in a befitting manner.
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