KARACHI: Pakistan on Wednesday retained the team for its Davis Cup Asia Oceania zone group two second round tie against South Korea being held at Gimcheon from July 8 to 10.
The quartet, which won the first round rubber against Hong Kong 3-2 in March, comprised Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, Aqeel Khan, Yasir Khan and Samir Iftikhar.
Veteran Davis Cupper Mohammad Khalid, who is also former Pakistan No 1, replaced Mushaf Zia as non-playing captain. Dr Awais Bin Inam will accompany the team as physician.
Pakistan team will fly to Seoul on its way to Gimcheon on Friday morning. Aisam-ul-Haq, who is in London in connection with the ongoing Wimbledon tennis championships, will join the team directly on Saturday.
“We have retained the team in the larger interest of the game and to give exposure to youngsters — Yasir Khan and Samir Iftikhar,” President of the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF), Syed Kaleem Imam, told Dawn.
To a question, the PTF chief defended the selection of young Samir who made his Davis Cup debut against Hong Kong at the expense of Jalil Khan.
“Initially, we were concerned about his (Samir) fitness due to layoff, but are satisfied that he has improved during the fortnight camp held in Islamabad under the supervision of Jalil Riaz,” he remarked.
Country’s top player Aqeel Khan and celebrity Aisam-ul-Haq were exempted from the trials while the preparatory camp was set up at the Islamabad’s PAF Complex to check the player’s fitness before selecting the remaining two members.
Inside reports, meanwhile, suggests that Samir, who has come from London at the PTF expenses for the camp and trials, had lost to both Jalil and Yasir in practice matches. His (Samir) selection means that the Davis Cup career of Jalil has been over as the PTF is focusing on youngsters.
Imam said the PTF was sending the team a week prior to the competition for practice and acclimatisation. “The boys’ have the potential and am confident that they will return victorious,” he added.
The PTF chief had already announced a lucrative cash incentive of US $ 6,000 apiece for Aisam and Aqeel if they steer the team to triumph in the coming tie.
Meanwhile, the president PTF hosted a dinner in honour of the Seoul bound team and officials in Islamabad on Wednesday.
