New Zealand will get to host their Davis Cup tie against Pakistan because of security concerns in that country.
The International Tennis Federation decided yesterday to reverse the home-ground status of the tie in February.
The decision pleased New Zealand Tennis general manager Patrick O'Rourke.
"NZT is pleased the federation were prepared to consider the security situation in Pakistan and put the safety of our players ahead of the original toss of the coin which gave the tie to Pakistan."
NZT made a special application to the Davis Cup committee under a seldom-invoked clause, which allows for a change of ground in the case of war or civil unrest.
Pakistan has been unstable in a security sense since the United States-led war against terrorism last year in which their troops entered neighbouring Afghanistan.
O'Rourke said he had not been particularly hopeful of success because the three most recent applications by other countries over the last two years had been turned down.
The tie, the first between the countries, will be played from February 7 to 9. NZT has until Friday to decide on the venue and confirm that with the ITF and Pakistan.
As compensation for the loss of home advantage, Pakistan will be awarded the next two ties between the two countries. "NZT have sympathy for Pakistan tennis," O'Rourke said. "They won promotion to group one for the first time this year and it would have been a thrill for them to have played their first tie at this level at home in Lahore.
"Hopefully, in future years, we will be able to play them in their country."
- NZPA
Tennis: Davis Cup switch to escape the dangers of Pakistan
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