Pak gives up on hosting Davis Cup tie against New Zealand

Islamabad, Mar 12(AN): The Pakistan's Tennis Federation (PTF) has given up hope of hosting its Davis Cup tie against New Zealand in July following a series of militant attacks in the country like last Friday's suicide bomb attacks in Lahore.

Pakistan has seen an unprecedented rise in the number of suicide attacks carried out across the country and loss of life over the past couple of years, including the ambush of the Sri Lanka cricket team's bus last year, leading to the cancellation of several sporting events.

PTF president Dilawar Abbas said he saw little chance of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) agreeing to allow Pakistan host the game.

"We had sent a letter to the ITF pressing them to allow us to host the tie on schedule as it is imperative for Pakistan tennis to play international ties at home," The Daily Times quoted Abbas, as saying.

"But now while we are waiting for a response there is no doubt the situation has changed after the Lahore blasts," he added.

The ITF has already moved Davis Cup ties against Oman and Hong Kong out of Pakistan after both the nations refused to play in Lahore. (ANI)