Tennis NZ await Davis Cup decision

Tennis New Zealand are waiting on a decision from the International Tennis Federation before taking their next step in their stand-off with the Pakistan Tennis Federation.

New Zealand are down to play Pakistan in the semi-final of the Asia-Oceania Group II from July 9 to 11.

Because of ongoing security issues in Pakistan, TNZ asked for the tie to be moved to a neutral country or even here in New Zealand.

But Pakistan officials have reacted badly to the request with their tennis federation secretary Rashid Kahn insistent that New Zealand come, or forfeit the tie.

"We want the ITF to either allow us to host the tie in Pakistan or award us a walkover against New Zealand," Khan said.

Khan cited the ITF's decision to fine Australia $10,000 last year when it refused to play an Asia/Oceania Zone group match in the Indian city of Chennai, also for security reasons.

"The ITF should give us a walkover like they awarded to India when Australia refused to travel to Chennai," he said.

All international sporting teams have shied away from going to Pakistan since gunmen attacked the Sri Lankan cricket team's bus at Lahore in March 2009 that left several Sri Lanka players injured and killed six policemen.

TNZ CEO Steve Walker said they are waiting to hear back from the ITF, the sports international governing body, but he said as Pakistan's other recent Davis Cup ties have been moved, he's hopeful that New Zealand won't have to travel there.

''The Davis Cup committee met yesterday in Munich, so we may well get an update this week on what theyve decided, or what process theyve decided on,'' Walker said.

''The March tie that was due to be played in Pakistan (against Hong Kong) was moved to Hong Kong, so there is a precedent there.

''We're going to be trying to find a neutral venue and wed even be willing to host it if that was required.''

Walker said if the ITF backed Pakistan and insisted the tie to be played there, they would have to decide whether to go or not.

''We'd escalate that to the highest levels of decision making if required, we'd really challenge it.

''It's purely around other sporting events that have been threatened, the obvious being the Sri Lankan cricket team's experience there.''

New Zealand made the semi-final by narrowly beating Sri Lanka 3-2 last weekend with the tie coming down to final rubber, which Rubin Statham won 6-1 6-0 7-5 against Rajeev Rajapakse.

Pakistan won their tie over Hong Kong, 3-1.

- © Fairfax NZ News