In a big turn of events, India's Davis Cup team received a green signal from Indian government has given a green signal to India's Davis Cup team to travel to Pakistan. This marks a significant moment as the Indian tennis team will be visiting Pakistan for the first time in 60 years. The Indian Tennis Association previously appealed to the International Federation to relocate the match to a neutral venue due to security concerns in Pakistan, but this request was rejected. AITA secretary Anil Dhuper exclusively confirmed this development to Sports Tak.
This decision contrasts with the recent stance of the Indian government, which denied permission for the Indian cricket team to visit Pakistan for the 2023 Asia Cup, citing a policy against bilateral sports engagement with Pakistan. However, the Indian cricket team is scheduled to tour Pakistan next year for the ICC Champions Trophy.
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.
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.
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