AITA on sticky wicket ahead of talks with ITF security consultants

New Delhi, August 18 

India’s tennis federation (AITA) will look to convince the world body (ITF) into changing the venue of India’s Davis Cup tie against Pakistan with team captain Mahesh Bhupathi likely to play a key role in the telephone consultation tomorrow. India had named a full-strength team for the September 14-15 tie in Islamabad. But the tie has become a matter of speculation ever since Pakistan downgraded diplomatic ties with India citing the revocation of the special status enjoyed by Jammu and Kashmir. Despite the escalating tension, India’s Sports Ministry made it clear that it won’t interfere since it is not a bilateral series. 

AITA has a tough job at hand to convince ITF to provide a neutral venue since the world body still feels that current circumstances do not demand a change in venue.

“Safety and security are ITF’s highest priority. We are working closely with the host nation and independent expert security advisors, and ITF is satisfied with their current security assessment of the site and the security plan in place,” ITF said in a statement to PTI. 

ITF though has agreed to address AITA’s concern and will ensure that its security consultants speak with the Indian association. Bhupathi will also be part of the tele-conference. The players are jittery about travelling to Pakistan. However, forfeiting the tie would mean that India will be automatically relegated to the Asia/Oceania Group II. “We are not interested in forfeiting the tie,” Bhupathi said. — PTI