ISLAMABAD - Pakistan's pride Davis Cupper and tennis ace Aisamul Haq stressed upon taking players into to confidence before deciding about the change of dates for the Davis Cup ties.
Talking to The Nation on Thursday, Aisam said: “Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) should have at least told the players before changing the dates of Davis Cup Asia Oceania Group-II tie against Vietnam, which were earlier scheduled to be held in the first week of January but now it will be held in February. The sudden change of dates made it almost impossible to take time off from my hectic and busy schedule and same is the case with Aqeel Khan.”
“If there was any problems in conducting the ties on due dates, the PTF should have consulted with the players before agreeing to the fresh dates. I always put country ahead of all my commitments but I will try to do so in this case as well. I always try not to commit to any assignment before and after one week of the Davis Cup ties. So the sudden change in schedule can create problem for me,” he added.
“I have to appear in London Masters for gaining much-needed ranking points, then Dubai Open, Rotterdam event. I have to fully concentrate on doubles and these back-to-back events will be hard to adjust, but as I said I always put country ahead on international commitments, I would talk to PTF president Kaleem Imam and convey him our genuine reservations, as it is the players who represent the country, so it is their right to at least be taken into confidence before any major decision. After talking to the PTF president, I will announce my decision,” Aisam asserted.
“I am more loyal to the country than anyone else and nobody can dare to question my commitment and passion towards the country. Baseless, unwanted and unethical allegations were leveled against me by some quarters, who are not well-wishers of the game and the country but they have their own agenda which they want to impose on me but they will not succeed in doing so. My commitment towards country is well beyond doubt and will remain so and I would love to represent Pakistan in the Davis Cup and will try my level best to adjust my international commitments and make myself available for the prestigious tie,” Aisam concluded.