ISLAMABAD - Pakistan tennis officials refused Wednesday to play their relocated Davis Cup tie against the Philippines in the Philippines, citing security fears and calling for a neutral venue.

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) had conveyed to Pakistan that its Asia Oceania Group II tie has been shifted to the Philippines, an official said.

"The ITF has conveyed us that our home tie, which was due to be played in Lahore, has been shifted after some Philippine players, who hold US passports, raised security fears," Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) president Dilawar Abbas told AFP.

Abbas said Pakistani players also have security concerns about playing in the Philippines, so the tie must be shifted to a neutral venue.

The Philippine Lawn Tennis Association last week wrote to the ITF, saying that the March 3 attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team had raised concerns about playing in Pakistan.

The Philippines were scheduled to play Pakistan from July 10-12 in Lahore, the same city in which the Sri Lankan cricket team was ambushed, killing eight Pakistanis and wounding seven touring players and their assistant coach.

Abbas said relocating to the Philippines would affect their chances.

"By not playing on our home courts we have lost the home advantage so we are not ready to give our opponents that advantage and instead press for a neutral venue," said Abbas.

Pakistan's chances of hosting international sport were dealt a heavy blow by the attacks on the Sri Lankan cricket team.

An international squash event, due to be staged next month in Pakistan, was cancelled and New Zealand has hinted that it will not send its cricket team to Pakistan for the November-December series this year.

Last month Pakistan were forced to relocate their home Davis Cup tie against Oman to Muscat after their rivals raised security concerns.

Bangladesh Tuesday postponed Pakistan's cricket tour, saying they would not be able to guarantee security for the Pakistani team in the wake of last month's mutiny in Dhaka.