March 19, 2003	Wednesday	Muharram 15, 1424

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ISLAMABAD, March 18: Pakistan tennis was in crisis Tuesday after country’s top player Aisamul Haq pulled out of next month’s Davis Cup tie against Japan saying he was not fit enough.

His decision to skip the April 4 to 6 Asia Oceania Group I playoff in the city of Toyota, left the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) in trouble.

Matters became complicated somewhat after the PTF only last week axed aging Asim Shafik, ranked No 2 and Nomi Qamar who is No 3, bringing in their place Shahzad Samad Khan and Shahzad Khan.

But Syed Dilawar Abbas, the PTF president dismissed the notion that he was to recall either Asim or Nomi as a replacement for Aisam. “I’ll add another youngster,” he told Dawn.

“I’ll continue to induct youngsters for the future of Pakistan tennis and this gives me an opportunity to do so,” he said. “I do not want loaders on the team and would rather spend money on youngsters who are our future.”

“We have to produce new players, Davis Cup or no Davis Cup and I will keep looking around for new faces,” he quickly made it clear.

While Aisam, who is reported to have a minor foot injury, may have told the PTF he is not fit to play, Dawn has learnt that he intends to play a few tournaments abroad in the days ahead. He is reportedly aiming to improve his international ranking which would enable him to compete in the Wimbledon qualifiers.

Pakistan are currently preparing for the Japan tie at the PTF Complex where Hameedul Haq is the coach-cum-camp commandant. He refused to comment on Aisam’s decision and the sacking of Asim and Nomi. “My job is to coach the players given to me by the PTF and I’ll do so to the best of my abilities.”