The lasting effects of Aisams success. -Photo by AP

Because of violence and terrorism last year, Pakistan has been stripped of its right to co-host next years cricket World Cup. International tennis and field hockey federations also have been struggling to get other teams to agree to visit the country for matches or tournaments.

But it looks like things are changing.

“After what happened in Lahore last year, it will be first time when a team of ITF security officials will be visiting Pakistan in the coming months,” Qureshi told The Associated Press, referring to a deadly attack on the Sri Lankan cricket teams bus en route to a test match.

“Maybe its because of my speech at the US Open.”

Qureshi and Rohan Bopanna, from India, reached the final in New York but lost to Bob and Mike Bryan, the top-ranked doubles team in the world.

After the match, Qureshi spoke from the heart at Arthur Ashe Stadium and drew a standing ovation.

“Every time I come here I feel theres a very wrong perception about Pakistan being a terrorist country,” Qureshi said at the time. “We are very friendly, loving and caring people and we want peace in this world as much as you guys want. May Allah bless us all.”

American tennis great Jim Courier, who was conducting the prize ceremony, was impressed, saying the speech was “beautiful.”

But problems remain in Pakistan. Suicide bombings have taken hundreds of innocent lives as the country continues its fight against Al-Qaeda. The government is also struggling to help about 20 million people after recent floods left them homeless.

Now, with the International Tennis Federation expected to make its visit, Qureshi is hoping that Pakistan will be able to host Hong Kong in the Davis Cup next year at Lahore.

“Lahores Defence Club is one of the venues and I am hopeful that if everything goes well, we will see international teams returning to Pakistan in other sports too,” Qureshi said.

Qureshi is currently in India for the Commonwealth Games, a multi-sports event that brings together 71 countries and territories from the British Commonwealth. He has already been eliminated from the singles and doubles tournaments, however.

“The draws were pretty tough here,” said Qureshi, who lost to Matt Ebden of Australia in the second round of the singles tournament.

In doubles, he and teammate Aqeel Khan lost to Australian pair Paul Hanley and Peter Luczak.

“My partner had to play in the doubles just three hours after he finished his match in singles,” Qureshi said. “Probably it was asking too much from us in this heat and humidity of New Delhi.” -AP