PTF nominates Gul Rehman only official for Davis Cup Tie
By Abdul Jabbar Faisal
ISLAMABAD (November 22, 2019):-President, Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) Salim Saifullah Khan on Friday nominated Gul Rehman solitary official for upcoming Davis Cup Tennis Tie against traditional foes India. International Tennis Federation (ITF) has shifted this mega event from Pakistan to a neutral venue, as this will be played at Nur-Sultan Kazakhstan
In the backdrop of the decision of the Independent Tribunal of the ITF, UK, upholding the decision of the Davis Cup Committee, of November 2, 2019, on the appeal by the PTF challenging the Davis Cup Committee's decision, the senior players of the national team had decided not to play the tie against India at a neutral venue, due the unfair and high-handed behavior displayed by the Indian team to avoid coming to Islamabad despite the many other international teams and celebrities having visited during earlier weeks.
Respecting and supporting the stand of the senior players, yet obliged to participate in the Davis Cup, as a member of the ITF, the President of the PTF, Salim Saifullah Khan, directed the PTF to nominate three best juniors, and a couple of the best young transition players, with an eye on their potentially being top Pakistani players in the next 2 to 3 years, to select a 3 member team to play the tie, now to be held in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, on 29 and 30 Nov, with both Pakistan and India being visiting nations, so Pakistan retaining the choice of Home Tie for the next time the 2 countries play one another.
President PTF and the Selection Committee picked up the 2 top juniors of the country and the best transition player to make the team. Huzaifa Abdul Rehman, Shoaib Khan, and Yousaf Khan Khalil would be the part of national tennis team against India. While secretary PTF Gul Rehman will visit along with the team as manager.
The PTF President, while expressing serious disappointment on the behavior of the AITA, wished the best to the team of youngsters, advising them to make most of the experience without worrying about winning or losing to the top players India will be fielding.
