Aisam urges PCB to stick to its stance on CT issue with India

ISLAMABAD: Aisamul Haq Qureshi, an internationally acclaimed sports figure and president of the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF), has urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to remain steadfast in its stance regarding Pakistan’s hosting of the Champions Trophy.

Speaking at the PTF Complex Friday, Aisam stressed that it is the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) responsibility to ensure that India participates in the tournament by crossing the border.

Reflecting on similar challenges faced by country’s tennis, Aisam said: “India has shown a pattern of reluctance when it comes to playing in Pakistan.

In the Davis Cup a few years back, they compelled us to play at neutral venue, leading our top players to boycott the matches. Eventually, we had to send an Under-17 team to compete.

However, under Salim Saifullah’s leadership, we took a firm stand with the International Tennis Federation (ITF) last year. As a result, India had no choice but to travel to Pakistan at the start of 2024 to play the Davis Cup tie that could have been allotted to Pakistan had they stayed out.

A 20-member Indian contingent stayed in Islamabad for over a week. PCB must adopt the same resolute approach for hosting the Champions Trophy.”

As a well-regarded sports ambassador, even in India, Aisam called on the Indian government to prefer sportsmanship over politics.

“Sports should unite, not divide. We have always honored our commitment to participate in events held in India. It’s time for India to reciprocate and allow cricket fans on both sides of the border to enjoy these iconic matches,” he stated.

Aisam also emphasized the pivotal role of the ICC in this matter.

“Every sport’s governing body is duty-bound to uphold discipline and protect the rights of its member nations. The ICC must ensure that all participating teams, including India, come to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. Any compromise on this issue risks plunging cricketing relations into crisis,” he warned.

He also suggested that the ICC should have contingency plans to safeguard the tournament’s integrity.

“If India continues to abstain, the ICC should include the next eligible team to maintain the credibility and prestige of the game,” Aisam proposed.

Aisam’s strong and clear stance highlights the broader implications of such decisions on international sports diplomacy, urging governing bodies to lead with fairness and unity.