For the first time in sixty years, an Indian tennis team will be visiting Pakistan when the ITF tribunal rejects AITA’s claim that security concerns may arise for its Davis Cup squad during the World Group I Play-off tie in Islamabad. The tie would be given to the host nation and the Indian team will be dropped to World Group II if they are unable to make the trip to Pakistan. The Indian Davis Cup team’s last visit to Pakistan was in 1964, when it defeated the hosts 4-0.
Anil Dhupar, secretary general of the All India Tennis Association (AITA), said PTI that the ITF has denied their appeal.
“I have got a message that AITA’s appeal has been rejected by the ITF Tribunal. We will approach Sports Ministry on Monday and seek guidance if we will send a team,” Dhupar mentioned while speaking to PTI.
Recently, AITA revealed the five-player roster for the World Group I play-off match on February 3–4. It also stated that the Davis Cup team will travel to Pakistan in the event that the ITF rejects its appeal.
“The DCC’s decision to hold the tie in Pakistan has solid grounds and it is pertinent on all the nations to visit the venue (country) selected by the DCC for the Davis Cup ties,” the Tribunal quoted, Pakistan media stated.
AITA argued that because of the harsh bilateral relations between the two countries, India should not be treated like other countries. Additionally, AITA has argued that the Indian team shouldn’t visit because Pakistan will hold its general election on February 8. According to the DCC’s ruling, an Indian team is free to travel to Pakistan and take part in the Davis Cup match.
“Pakistan has hosted some important Davis Cup ties just recently in a successful manner so there is no solid grounds as to why Pakistan cannot host the tie against India in a befitting manner.
“Maintaining law and order is a sole responsibility of the host nation. Indian team should rest assured that required security measures will be in order for their travel and participation,” the committee ensured.
The best players in India, Sumit Nagal and Sasikumar Mukund, have withdrawn from the tie. The winner of the tie will guarantee their place in World Group I for the duration of the 2024 season.
The Indian squad included Ramkumar Ramanathan, N Sriram Balaji, Yuki Bhambri, Niki Poonacha, and Saketh Myneni. The squad included reserve player Digvijay Pratap Singh, who debuted in India’s final Davis Cup assignment in Lucknow in September against Morocco.
