Pakistan to resist shifting of Davis Cup tie to Manila

Islamabad, Mar 13 (ANI): Pakistan has vowed to resist any attempt to shift their Davis Cup tennis home tie against Philippines to a neutral venue or Manila over security concerns.

The Philippine Lawn Tennis Association reportedly made the request in a letter to the International Tennis Federation (ITF) citing the March 3 militant attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team, as reason for shifting the venue.

Philippines is scheduled to play Pakistan in Asia Oceania Group II on July 10-12 in Lahore, The News reported.

Pakistan Tennis Federation president Dilawar Abbas said any attempt to shift the tie would be refused.

"We are writing a letter to ITF in which we would demand that the tie should be played in Lahore, Pakistan because the venue would also have accommodation for the players and there would be no risks involved," Abbas told a foreign news agency.

"Cricket and tennis has lots of difference, the spectators are in hundreds as compared to thousands in cricket, and since it's an indoor sport security would be easier and complete," Abbas added.

An international squash event, due to be staged next month in Pakistan, was cancelled while New Zealand hinted it would not send its cricket team to Pakistan for the November-December series this year.

Last month Pakistan was forced to relocate their home Davis Cup tie against Oman to Muscat after their rivals raised security concerns. (ANI)