Indian Davis Cup team set to visit Pakistan after appeal to shift tie rejected by ITF tribunal
The Indian Davis Cup team is preparing for their first visit to Pakistan in 60 years in February, as their appeal to shift the World Group I playoff tie from Islamabad to a neutral venue has been rejected by an ITF tribunal. The All India Tennis Association (AITA) had expressed concerns about the security situation between the two countries and requested the tie to be moved to a neutral location. However, the ITF tribunal upheld the decision to hold the tie in Pakistan, citing solid grounds for their choice of venue.
The AITA had appealed to the ITF’s Davis Cup Committee (DCC) after the draw in September placed India against Pakistan for the February 3-4 clash. The strained political relations between the two nations raised security concerns, prompting the AITA’s request for a change in venue. Despite their efforts, the AITA’s appeal was rejected by the DCC, leading them to take the matter to an ITF tribunal.
According to Judge David Casserly of the ITF Tribunal, the DCC’s decision to hold the tie in Pakistan was justified, and it is important for all nations to respect the venue selected by the committee for Davis Cup ties. AITA secretary general Anil Dhupar confirmed the tribunal’s rejection of their appeal but stated that they had not yet received the full order. Dhupar expressed uncertainty about the reasoning behind the decision and expected to receive the tribunal’s order by Monday.
India has a perfect 7-0 head-to-head record against Pakistan in Davis Cup matches. The two sides have only played at a neutral venue twice, in 1973 and 2019. The last time the Indian team visited Pakistan was in 1964 when they played in Lahore. Dhupar mentioned that the AITA would seek the government’s approval to play the tie in Pakistan, considering the limited options available. He expressed hope that since the tie is part of the World Cup, the government would not object.
Forfeiting the tie could result in severe sanctions, including demotion and a heavy fine.
The Indian Davis Cup team will be visiting Pakistan for the first time in 60 years in February, despite the All India Tennis Association’s (AITA) appeal to move the World Group I playoff tie to a neutral venue due to security concerns. The AITA’s request was rejected by an ITF tribunal, stating that the decision to hold the tie in Pakistan has solid grounds. India and Pakistan have had strained political relations, and India has not had bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan. The AITA is seeking the government’s approval to play the tie and forfeiting could result in severe sanctions. India has a 7-0 head-to-head record against Pakistan, and the last time they played in Pakistan was in 1964.
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