LAHORE, May 20: The Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) is unable to bear the expenses of a a foreign tour as a warm-up, in preparation for the Davis Cup Asia Oceania Group II final against China at Peshawar from Sept 22 to 25 due to lack of funds.

The tie is important, both for Pakistan and China, as a win will upgrade either country to Group I.

The newly elected secretary of the PTF Abdur Rashid Khan told Dawn from Wah Cantt that although the tie was important, due to financial constraints tours could not be arranged as a result of which the federation could barely afford to send its under-14 and under-16 teams for participation in international event this month.

It may be mentioned that the previous PTF body which changed after April ‘s election had a preparation plan for the team to undertake a tour.

The team won the semifinal of this event against Taiwan in Lahore last month.

The team members were Aisamul Haq Qureshi, Aqueel Khan, Asim Shafik, and Nomi Qamar.

 The Under-14 team took part in the Asia Oceania Zone qualifying round at Colombo early this month but finished poor 10th.

An eight-member Pakistan Under-16 team is presently taking part in the Junior Davis Cup tournament which started at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on May 20.

The secretary said that henceforth players with international exposure would be given preference for foreign tours.

He said that a key member of the team Aisam was already playing in the international circuit.

The former Davis Cupper and national champion Mohammad Khaliq would also be called for the trials. Khaliq is presently in Kuwait on a coaching assigment.

 If Khaliq wins in the trials he would get a place in the team, the secretary said.

The secretary pointed out that the federation was trying to contact Junaid Ramiz in USA to appear in the trials.