ISLAMABAD-LONDON, June 29: Pakistan’s Aisamul Haq Qureshi has been condemned by his country’s sports officials for partnering an Israeli at Wimbledon tennis championship.

Aisam teamed up with Israeli Amir Hadad and together they upset 11th seedRick Leech and Ellis Ferreira Friday to make it to the third round of the men’s doubles.

Twentytwo-year-old Aisam, created history with the help of Jewish Hadad by becoming the first Pakistani player to reach the third round of a Grand Slam event.

But instead of being celebrated at home, officials are considering imposing a ban over his choice of partner.

“Although he is playing in his private capacity, we officially condemn his playing with an Israeli player and an explanation has been sought from him,” said Pakistan Sports Board director Brigadier Saulat Abbas.

“Since Pakistan has no links with Israel, Qureshi may face a ban.”

Aisam was unperturbed by the controversy and is hoping his decision to leave politics on the sidelines will be seen in a positive light.

“I am surprised at the fuss being made over my partnership,” he said. “I would like to be talked about for my tennis rather than politics. If we can change people’s minds then that would be a good thing.”

Aisam played a key role in Pakistan’s Davis Cup semifinal win over Taiwan in the Asia Oceania zone group II.

But his place in the team for their vital Davis Cup tie against China in September has been thrown into doubt.

“When players compete on the professional circuit they are not bound to national federations,” Pakistan Tennis Federation President Syed Dilawar Abbas said.

“But we have sought an explanation from him and if advised by the government we may take action.”

Saeed Hai, a former leading Pakistan player, also condemned Aisam’s actions in the light of the current relations between the two countries.

“Due to the bloodshed in the Middle East, Aisam’s pairing with an Israeli player is wrong,” he said.

But Aisam found a symphatiser in Pakistan’s tennis captain Rasheed Malik who said: “We should appreciate his progress in an international event rather than criticising it.”

“At times you have no option when it comes to choosing your partner and what he has achieved should be appreciated.”

The 24-year-old Hadad also remained defiant against any criticism of their partnership. “I don’t care what people think about it,” said the 24-year-old Hadad.—PPI