Davis Cup: India Draw Pakistan Again, PTF Won't Agree To Shifting Matches To Neutral Venue

India have been drawn to play Pakistan in the World Group I Play-offs and the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) on Thursday made it clear that it won't agree to shift their home tie to a neutral venue this time. India had drawn Pakistan in 2019 also but due to "security concerns" the Asia/Oceania Group I tie was shifted to Kazakhstan, a neutral venue. As a mark of protest, Pakistan's top players Aisam-ul-haq Qureshi and Aqeel Khan had opted not to play the tie in which rookies Mohammed Shoaib, Huzaifa Abdul Rehman and Yousaf Khalil competed for them.

India had expectedly thrashed a weak Pakistan line-up 4-0. In a lop-sided contest, Pakistan won only seven games in the entire tie.

The ITF had agreed to shift the tie to a neutral venue in 2019 but it will be very tough for AITA to convince the world governing body if the national federation pushes for a neutral venue.

Pakistan's veteran player Aqeel Khan told PTI that they are hoping for the Indian team to travel to their nation.

"I hope they come and give us a chance to host," Aqeel, 43, said.

Qureshi said, "Hopefully this time it will be played in Pakistan." Pakistan last week beat Indonesia 4-0 at home in the World Group II tie, played on grass courts in Islamabad with Aqeel winning a singles and the doubles rubber.

PTF President Salim Saifullah Khan said they will host India on grass court.

"They should come to Pakistan. It's not fair that they do not come to Pakistan. The Indian team is much better than us. We have a beautiful hotel just across the stadium. If Indians come it will send a good message that we are good neighbours," Saifullah Khan told PTI.

If India decide to travel, it will be the Davis Cup team's first visit across the border in 59 years, and only third