ISLAMBAD: Pakistan tennis star Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi is excited to see teams from his country and neigbouring India take on each other in their upcoming Davis Cup tie, which is set to be held here from Feb 3-4.

The All India Tennis Association (AITA) had named a 12-member contingent for the tie on Saturday, all but confirming that the side would be touring Pakistan.

The contingent is expected to arrive here on January 29 to play the tie, the winner of which will qualify to compete in the World Group Play Offs.

Speaking to Dawn, Aisam said that the clash between the historical archrivals was much needed to fuel tennis’ hype in both countries. He added people from both sides of the border were sports lovers.

The international tennis star believed that India or any other team should have no doubts about visiting Pakistan given that the security situation had paved way for the best cricket teams to travel to the country.

Aisam was hopeful the Pakistan Davis Cup side, comprising a balance of senior and junior players, was capable of giving a tough fight to India.

He said that during the last two decades, himself and fellow veteran Aqeel Khan, had shown brilliant performance against all visiting teams in Davis Cup ties, therefore, this time too, “based on experience and advantage of home grass courts and home crowd, we will make all out efforts to defeat India.”

Aisam said the visiting Indian side will feel the heat of playing on away soil and that Pakistan held a fair advantage over their rivals. He added that the team will prepare for the tie in a training camp that starts in Peshawar on Monday.

“The team is well prepared and these training sessions will be further helpful,” he said while adding that the Pakistan team [comprising of Ais­am, Aqeel, Mohammad Shoiab, Barkatullah and Muza­mmil Murtaza] was eager to play against India for the first time on home soil.

Meanwhile the Pakistan Tennis Federation said in a statement that it was “good to see the AITA has now issued a press release announcing the names of the finalised contingent planned to visit Pakistan for the DC Tie”.

Published in Dawn, January 22nd, 2024