LAHORE (Abdul Basit): The Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) has strongly defended national tennis icons Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and Aqeel Khan, lauding their 27 years of unmatched service to the country and reaffirming full confidence in their continued representation at the international level.
Addressing recent media speculation regarding team selection, PTF Senior Vice President Khawaja Suhail Iftikhar clarified that both Aisam and Aqeel had been rightfully exempted from trials in accordance with PTF’s long-standing merit-based policy, a privilege granted to players who consistently deliver exceptional international performances.
He highlighted that Aisam has recorded 70 Davis Cup victories, including 41 in singles, while the Aisam-Aqeel duo ranks among the top five Davis Cup doubles teams globally, an unprecedented distinction in Pakistan’s tennis history. In recognition of their services, Aisam has been conferred both the Sitara-i-Imtiaz and Pride of Performance, while Aqeel is also a recipient of the Pride of Performance award. “These players, even at 46, continue to wear the national colours with pride. Their passion should be celebrated and emulated, not questioned,” said Kh Suhail.
He further clarified that Davis Cup selections are made strictly on national and international performance, consistent with global standards. For the recent Paraguay Davis Cup tie, trials were conducted in January 2025 based on three-month performance metrics, and Huzaifa Rehman, Muzammal Murtaza, and Ahmed Nael were selected, while Aisam and Aqeel were properly exempted as per protocol.
Backing the PTF stance, Senator Salim Saifullah Khan, Vice President of Asian Tennis Federation and Patron of PTF, condemned what he termed as “misleading narratives aimed at undermining the federation’s progress under President Aisam-ul-Haq.”
He urged all stakeholders to support unity and discipline rather than personal agendas, stating, “This is a time to strengthen, not divide Pakistan tennis. Our legends deserve respect.”
The wider tennis community has also called for strict disciplinary action against those repeatedly engaging in violations of federation protocols, urging that administrative order and respect for institutional processes must be upheld.
The PTF reiterated its commitment to transparent selection systems, structured athlete development, and disciplined governance, while appealing to all players, officials, and supporters to prioritize national interest over personal differences.
English