January 24, 2003	Friday	Ziqa’ad 20, 1423

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ISLAMABAD, Jan 23: Syed Dilawar Abbas, the president of the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) Thursday named Asim Shafik and Nomi Qamar to join Aqeel Khan and Aisamul Haq on the Davis Cup team for next month’s tie against New Zealand.

Muhammad Khalid would be the non-playing captain while PTF’s senior vice president and member of the selection committee, A. Samad Khan would act as the manager, Dilawar said.

Aqeel, Aisam, Asim and Nomi were all members of the Pakistan squad that beat China in Peshawar last fall helping the country earn promotion to Group I.

The PTF had already selected Aqeel and Aisam for the Feb 7 to 9 Asia Oceania Group I tie in Hamilton but had to think long and hard in picking the other two players.

The selectors met twice last week but were unable to reach consensus on the shape of the team. It was then decided that each member send in his recommendations individually to the PTF president for approval.

“We did not want to take a chance with youngsters Shahzad Samad and Shahzad Khan at this stage because we feel that they need more coaching,” Dilawar told Dawn.

“Shahzads were given a proper chance in the camp but they both seemed to lack the temperament vital for such important matches.”

But Dilawar said both the players would be among the probables for the next tie.

Meanwhile the training camp for the tie will continue at the PTF Complex under Muhammad Khalid with the party leaving for New Zealand from Karachi, most likely on Jan 29.

Khalid said it was the best team that could be selected and promised that his players would put in their best.