ISLAMABAD, Oct 22 Pakistan's turbulent sports environment faced another setback as the International Tennis Federation (ITF) postponed a scheduled Junior tennis tournament slated to be held here due to the prevailing security situation.

The ITF Junior Tennis Tournament was scheduled to be held at the PTF Complex from Oct 25 to Nov 7.

Around 22 foreign players from America, Singapore, Malaysia, Uzbekistan, India, Thailand, Egypt had confirmed there participation in the ITF junior event.

An official of the PTF told Dawn on Thursday “The ongoing security situation has forced the ITF to postpone an international ranking junior event.”

Pakistan has also earlier been barred by the International Cricket Council from hosting the World Cup 2011 due to security concerns raised by a few cricket playing nations.

Currently Pakistan is opting for neutral venues to host international teams in cricket and is also likely to follow the same for hockey events.

“ITF has even quoted our Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik who said that Pakistan is at war and also indicated the recent attack on the International Islamic University- Islamabad (IIUI) in which three female students were killed” he said. A PTF official on being asked about the tournament said

“The PTF has requested the ITF to review security situation after 6 to 8 weeks and if it is improves the tournament will likely be held in December.”

Asked what were the losses being faced by the PTF after cancellation of the international event, the official said “The biggest loss will be faced by our junior players as it was a ranking event and good opportunity for youngsters.

It is more about giving international exposure to our players rather than earning some sponsorship money.”