ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Davis Cup team coach Muhsaf Zia is expecting a close contest in Pakistan-Slovenia tie scheduled to be played at the Pakistan Sports Complex’s tennis courts here next month.

Pakistan is going to hosts Slovenia in Davis Cup tie here on March 6-7. The Pakistan team for the tie will comprise Aisam-ul-Haq, Aqeel Khan, Mohammad Abid, Muzammil Murtaza and Heera Ashiq.

Speaking to Dawn, the coach and non playing captain Mushaf Zia said that the Slovenia team is also a very balanced one and a close contest is expected between the two teams. He, however, said that Pakistan has edge due to two seasoned players Aisam and Aqeel, who have played over 100 Davis Cup matches on grass.

Meanwhile, President PTF Salim Saifullah Khan on Wednesday visited Aisam-ul-Haq Pavilion at the Pakistan Sports Complex to witness the training session of the Pakistan Davis Cup team, which is in progress these days.

President PTF expressed satisfaction about the training session and the hard work which is being displayed by the players under the guidance of their coach Mushaf Zia. He also interacted with the players and motivated them to perform better.

Salim Saifullah also inspected the venue of the event and was briefed by Senior Executive Vice President Khawar Hyat and Senior Vice President Saeed Ahmed Khan, members of the Management Committee of PTF, about the progress of the work. He was satisfied with the overall preparatory arrangements.

Published in Dawn, February 27th, 2020