Home
Indian government has allowed India's David Cup team to travel to Pakistan for their respective matches in a big turn of event. The Indian tennis team is set to visit Pakistan for the first time in six decades. Earlier, the Indian Tennis Association had sought to move the match to a neutral location, citing security worries in Pakistan, but their appeal was turned down. But eventually Indian government gave Indian Davis Cup team a green signal to leave for Pakistan for their ties, Anil Dhuper, the AITA's Secretary General, exclusively disclosed this development to Sports Tak.
Meanwhile, in an exclusive interview with AITA's Secretary General Anil Dhupar revealed the reason behind this big move.
“The ministry took the approach that this is the World Cup of tennis hence they gave the go ahead to send the team to Pakistan. Bilateral sporting ties are looked at differently,” Dhupar told Sports Tak.
“We could not afford to pull out of the tie because that would invite sanctions and a ban by the international federation that India cannot afford. We have been assured of safety for our players by the International tennis federation and Pakistan authorities,” he further added.
Recently, the All India Tennis Association (AITA) sought guidance from the Sports Ministry regarding sending the national team to Pakistan for the World Group. Notably, tentatively the India team is expected to arrive in Islamabad on January 29 to compete in the tie scheduled to be held on the Sports Complex courts on February 3-4.
The last visit of the Indian Davis Cup team to Pakistan was in 1964, when players Akhtar Ali, Premjit Lall, and SP Misra led India to a 4-0 victory in Lahore.
Although India and Pakistan were matched for a 2019 tie in Pakistan, the situation has evolved since then. This time, the Pakistani team, featuring top player Aisam ul Haq Qureishi along with Aqeel Khan, Muhammad Shoaib, Barkatullah, and Muhammad Abid, is set to host the historic event.
Meanwhile, Pakistan High Commission in a brief press release, said,“Pakistan High Commission, New Delhi has issued visas to Indian Davis Cup team, including the support staff, to play the Davis Cup World Group -1 Playoff Tie between Pakistan and India. The Playoff match is scheduled to be held on 3-4 February 2024 in Islamabad.”
India's Davis Cup squad: Yuki Bhambri, Ramkumar Ramanathan, N Sriram Balaji, Saketh Myneni, Niki Kaliyanda Poonacha, Digvijay SD Prajwal Dev (reserve). Captain: Rohit Rajpal, Coach: Zeeshan Ali.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
Big blow to RCB, England's superstar player withdraws; SA all-rounder called in as replacement
IND vs ENG: Joe Root can't keep calm after witnessing Ollie Pope's masterful century, says '...to score runs in this part of the world
IND vs ENG: Ollie Pope's scorching century pegs back India on Day 3 as England fight back with 126-run lead in 1st Test
'12th Fail' director's son continues to stay hot, records 4th consecutive century in Ranji Trophy, fans say 'how is he...'
India to host two more World Cups as schedule for ICC events in 2024-27 cycle revealed; check details here
