The All India Tennis Association (AITA) is scheduled to meet on October 15, to discuss the Davis Cup tie scheduled to be played against Pakistan in Islamabad on November 29 and 30.
The tie, originally scheduled for September 14 and 15, had to be postponed by the International Tennis Federation (ITF), owing to the prevailing tension between the two countries.
It is understood that the Indian players are not convinced about the degree of security promised by the host for the tie, and have expressed their concern to the national federation through a communication by the captain Mahesh Bhupathi.
The ITF had stated that there would be a review of the security arrangements on November 5, before a final decision was made about having the tie in Pakistan.
READ | Baffled Indian players push AITA for a neutral venue
It is also understood that the Indian team has not applied for the Pakistan visa so far. With the players competing around the world most of the time, it has also not been possible for them to submit the passport, as the process takes a few days.
Thus, the possible failure to secure the visa as the reason for not travelling for the tie would not be treated as a valid excuse by the ITF.
From having a very bright chance to make the World Group competition, India may actually be staring at the possibility of being relegated, as the tie itself looks a non-starter, barring a miracle.
Comments
SHARE