March 25, 2003	Tuesday	Muharram 21, 1424

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ISLAMABAD, March 24: Munir Pirzada, former secretary of the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) has called for the inclusion of Asim Shafik on the Davis Cup squad for the forthcoming tie against Japan.

“Since Aisamul Haq has declined to play the Cup tie, it is all the more reason that Asim is now included on the team and only two youngsters are given a joyride,” he said of new comers Shahzad Khan and Shahzad Samad Khan.

Asim, ranked No 2 and Nomi Qamar who is No 3 were both dropped after Pakistan were routed 5-0 by New Zealand in Hamilton last month while Aisam withdrew saying he was not fit enough to play the Japan tie.

Aisam’s pulling out meant that a third youngster, Inam Gul was added to the party with Aqeel Khan retaining his place for the April 4 to 6 Asia Oceania Group I playoff in Toyota, Japan.

“I am all for promoting the junior players but please don’t select them to play in the Davis Cup unless they are able to beat their seniors,” Pirzada said.

The PTF president, Syed Dilawar Abbas had announced last week that he would be banking on the juniors in the days to come and would be bringing in another two players after the team returned from Japan.

But Pirzada felt that Davis Cup was not a platform where players were inducted for encouragement.

“It tantamounts to being disloyal to Pakistan.”

“The Japan fixture being a relegation tie is a very important one. Why must the PTF assist Japan in beating Pakistan,” he asked.

He pointed out that only last week Aqeel had beaten Asim in a tournament held right “under the nose of the PTF” by 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 in Islamabad.

“Does this score raise any eyebrows,” he questioned and added that sycophancy was the root cause of the total destruction of institutions in Pakistan.