The top doubles player of Pakistan, Aisam ul Haq Qureshi refused to compete in the upcoming Davis Cup tie against India on Monday. He was protesting against ITF's decision to shift the tie to a neutral venue from Islamabad.
Aisam took to Instagram to voice his decision and made it clear that he won't participate unless the tie is held in Islamabad. He is one of the best tennis players coming out of Pakistan.
His post specified that ITF is set to discard the appeal of Pakistan Tennis Federation against the shifting of tie to a neutral venue, which is yet-to-be-announced.
Aisam criticized India and International Tennis Federation, addressing PTF president Salim Saifullah Khan in his post. He wrote, "The attitude towards Pakistan of both All Indian Tennis Association and ITF is highly deplorable, to say it the least. There is absolutely no threat foreseen for Indian tennis team in Pakistan."
Aisam further added, "However, if ITF does not correct their wrong decision then as a protest against this unjust, unfair and biased decision I want to raise my voice and hereby announce not to participate in this tie if it takes place outside Pakistan."
He said that he has taken the stand to "stand up for the honour and dignity of my country by refusing to accept an incorrect unjust and undesirable decision."
"The President of PTF and the people of Pakistan are requested to understand my stand."
Aisam said that he faced loads of heat earlier even in Pakistan when he played with an Israeli player and with Rohan Bhopanna of India. He reasoned that he took a stance as he felt it was vital to put sports before all things.
Aisam said hundreds of Indians are often visiting Pakistan "to perform their religious activities" in various places such as Nankana Sahib, Kartarpur and Taxila and there is no single incident of violence or maladministration with the Indians.
Recently, British Royal family visited Pakistan. The Royal couple visited several cities including Islamabad, Lahore and Chitral. This week, her Majesty the Queen of Holland is visiting Pakistan. In the recent times, football stars such as Kaka, Figo and Puyol also visited Pakistan.
"If everyone else can come including hundreds of other Indians every day then why can't a few members of the Indian Tennis team visit Pakistan when Pakistan has assured them of extremely high-level security protocol," Aisam said.
"They should not insult and disgrace our security forces by saying that they cannot assure the safety and security of a few member Indian tennis team," he added more.
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