LONDON: Pakistan lost the right to host its Davis Cup series against the Philippines because of security fears in the wake of the attack on Sri Lanka’s cricket team in Lahore.
Pakistan had been due to host the best-of-five series from July 10-12, but the International Tennis Federation said the Philippines will now have the choice of venue “based upon existing advice from the ITF’s security consultants.”
“The Philippines has been told, It’s your right to host it now. Can you tell us where and when?”ITF spokesman Neil Robinson said yesterday.
Pakistan, which reached the semifinals of the Asia-Oceania zone’s Group II by beating Oman 4-1 earlier this month, had also been scheduled to host the first round series.
Last week, tennis authorities in the Philippines asked that the series be moved to Manila due to fears of its players being attacked.
Three of the five Filipino players, including Cecil Mamiit, are dual US-Philippine citizens and Philippine Lawn Tennis Association Vice President Randy Villanueva feared they may be targeted because of their American passports.
Pakistan Tennis Federation secretary Rashid Khan said the series should be held in a third country.
Pakistan has the right to appeal the ITF’s decision.
