Samir, 18, who has been in the limelight for his shining performance both at home and abroad for quite sometime, has stepped into the four-member team at the expense of regular player Jalil Khan. -File Photo

KARACHI: Up and coming Samir Iftikhar will make his Davis Cup debut when Pakistan square-off against Hong Kong China in the Asia Oceania zone group II first round rubber on the latter's soil on Friday.

Samir, 18, who has been in the limelight for his shining performance both at home and abroad for quite sometime, has stepped into the four-member team at the expense of regular player Jalil Khan. Aisam-ul-Haq, Aqeel Khan and Yasir Khan complete the quartet. Mushaf Zia, a former Davis Cupper, has accompanied the team as non-playing captain.

Aisam, who is ranked 20th in the ITF men's doubles rankings, has joined the team in Hong Kong.

Yasir and Samir earned selection in the team after they won extensive trials that were held at Lahore from February 4 to 20. Aisam and Aqeel, the top two players, were exempted from the trials.

Other players who appeared in the trials were Jalil Khan, Heera Ashiq, M. Abid, Khurram Nazir, Usman Ejaz, Shahzad Khan, Nasir Mushtaq and Waqas Malik.

Statistics show that both the teams are tied two-all in the four rubbers they have played in so far. Hong Kong won the first two ties in 1988 (5-0) and 1992 (3-2) while Pakistan levelled by winning in 2000 (3-2) and 2010 (3-1).

Relegated to Group III for the first time ever after losing both its ties in 2007, Pakistan moved up to Group II defeating Malaysia 3-0 in the Group III final at Tehran in 2008. Pakistan has retained its place in the group since then.

Unfortunately, like other disciplines, Pakistan tennis has also suffered heavily following refusal of foreign countries to visit the country due to security concerns.

Pakistan was compelled to surrender its rights to host Hong Kong at Lahore last year and the tie was relocated to Hong Kong.

Similarly, Pakistan's Group II semi-final against New Zealand was relocated to Hawera which the former lost 2-3 after enjoying 2-1 lead in the best of five match.

The Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) should press ITF to allow its ties to be played on neutral venue if not at home due to refusal of teams.— AZ