India have been drawn to play Pakistan in the World Group I playoffs and the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) on Thursday made it clear that it won’t agree to shift their home tie to a neutral venue this time.
India had drawn Pakistan in 2019 also but due to “security concerns”, the Asia/Oceania Group I tie was shifted to Kazakhstan, a neutral venue.
As a mark of protest, Pakistan’s top players Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and Aqeel Khan had opted not to play, and rookies Mohammed Shoaib, Huzaifa Abdul Rehman and Yousaf Khalil competed.
India had expectedly thrashed a weak Pakistan line-up 4-0 where Pakistan won only seven games.
The ITF had agreed to shift the tie to a neutral venue in 2019 but it will be tough for AITA to convince the world governing body if the national federation pushes for a neutral venue.
Qureshi said: “Hopefully this time it will be played in Pakistan.”
PTF president Salim Saifullah Khan said they will host India on grass.
