ISLAMABAD, Aug 27: Pakistan tennis chief Syed Dilawar Abbas said Tuesday that Aisamul Haq’s pairing with Israel’s Amir Hadad abroad was something out of the federation’s orbit and an official ban therefore could not be slapped on him.

Speaking following reports that Aisam was to team up again with Hadad, this time in the US Open, Dilawar said that there were certain decisions that had to be taken as a professional. “Aisam has got a wildcard for the Open and only he knows best what is right for him.”

Aisam, 22, along with Amir, a 24-year-old Jew, had made it to the third round of the Wimbledon Championships but his achievements were overshadowed because of his controversial partnership. Pakistan and Israel have no diplomatic ties.

“During the Wimbledon, the PSB (Pakistan Sports Board) had asked us about this partnership and we told them that as a professional player he was not in our orbit,” said Dilawar who is only into his fifth month in office.

Dilawar denied ever being under pressure from the International Tennis Federation (ITF) not to ban Aisam. “We have had no correspondence with the ITF on this subject and besides we never considered imposing a ban on him.”

Aisam is Pakistan’s best hope in the upcoming Davis Cup Asia Oceania Group II final against China next month in Peshawar, a tie Dilawar hopes can be won. “I think we have a good chance of winning.”

Dilawar dismissed calls from certain quarters for moving the tie to Lahore. “I don’t think there is any need to change the venue because we want to give equal opportunity to all the provinces.”

“Why is the Davis Cup have to be staged each time either in Lahore or Islamabad,” he questioned. “It is very fair that Peshawar organises the competition.”

While backing Peshawar all the way, Dilawar also expressed his intentions of supporting the players. “Whatever money the NWFP association generates and gives us, it will be shared with the players.” The PTF also gives a portion of money it receives from the ITF for holding Davis Cup ties.

The PTF, Dilawar pointed out was in the process of asking the ITF to support two of their upcoming players, Wasif Cheema and Shahzad Khan. “We want that each year we are able to discover at least two new players capable of competing at the top level so that we can broaden our Davis Cup base.”

Offering associate membership to multi-national companies for Rs 0.175 million each is also on Dilawar’s ‘things to do’ list. “They will have no voting rights but would become members of the Council for four years,” he explained. “We will give them subsidised tournaments so that they get publicity.”