ISLAMABAD - Pakistan Davis Cup team suffered a huge set back as ace player and Pakistan No 1 Aqeel Khan will not play the singles match today (Friday) in the finals of the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group-II against hosts Thailand.
Talking to The Nation from Bangkok, Aqeel said: “Shoulder pain is still haunting me and I am finding it really difficult to bear the pain. I met with different doctors in Bangkok and on their strong advice, I took pain killer injections for the first time in my life. I want to play a key role in helping my country win the final, that’s why I did so.”
“Frankly speaking, arrival of Samir eased my worries, as he is in great knick and playing competitive tennis at the highest level. I am quite confident he will provide the team perfect results and ensure Pakistan chances hangs in balance even without me. I will definitely play the doubles along with Aisam and if the country requires my services in crunch situation in the deciding reverse singles, I will certainly play the match,” he added.
“Aisam will start proceedings for Pakistan in the first singles match against Pruchay Isarow at 10:00am Thailand local time. I am sure experienced Aisam will give perfect opening to Pakistan and win the encounter, while Samir will play the second and last singles against Danai Udomchoke. We have bright chances of stamping authority on the tie on the first day while on the second day, I partnering Aisam will play the doubles,” Aqeel said.
Sharing his views, Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) president Syed Kaleem Imam said: “It is a big loss that Aqeel is not fully fit. I wish him speedy recovery and hopeful, he will play his due role in the doubles. It is also a great opportunity for Samir to prove his mettle and silence his critics with powerful performances. We have given equal and fair chance to Yasir, Abid and Samir by holding trial matches so that the squad would be finalized purely on merit.”