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AITA urges ITF to postpone or shift Pakistan vs India Davis Cup tie from Islamabad

Abha Gupta. Dated: 8/14/2019 3:18:54 PM

The All India Tennis Association (AITA) has responded to International Tennis Federation (ITF)'s letter where it had expressed satisfaction over the security situation in Pakistan by reiterating their demand to either postpone or shift to a neutral venue "suo moto" the India-Pakistan Davis Cup tie scheduled for September 14-15.

Citing security concerns to Indian players following tension between the two countries, AITA in its letter offered the ITF Board of directors, two options to consider.

"Postpone the specific Davis Cup Tie to November/December by which time hopefully the situation would have stabilised. We do understand that ITF has taken such decisions in earlier Davis Cup ties as well with other nations.

"Since the current situation does not seem to be conducive, in our opinion subject to our reading the report of your security consultants, ITF Board of Directors suo moto by itself may decide to shift this particular Davis Cup tie to a neutral venue at ITF's cost," it said.

The ITF had earlier refuted AITA's claim that there was a security risk for Indian players in Pakistan. Our independent security consultants on the ground are monitoring the situation on a daily basis but they do not see any need to conduct another site visit. They are satisfied that the risk mitigation strategies put in place by the Pakistan Tennis Federation are in accordance with ITF's strict guidelines," the letter said.

ITF in its letter also urged the AITA to apply for the players' visas to Pakistan.

AITA has built its demand seeking the postponement of the tie listing down 8 reasons why visting Pakistan may be a risk for its players.

1. Pakistan has downgraded the diplomatic relations with India.

2. Indian Ambassador has been asked to leave Pakistan and we do not have an Ambassador any longer in Islamabad.

3. Trains between India and Pakistan have been stopped.

4. Bus service between India and Pakistan has also been stopped with immediate effect.

5. Pakistan media is not responding favourably to India.

6. There is lot of undercurrent of tension in Pakistan.

7. Media reports indicate that a possibility of conflict cannot be ruled out.

8. Air space has also been shut off for Indian Planes."

In another letter the AITA has urged the ITF to postpone the tie as it did when the Indian team was in USA during 9/11. Indian Team was already in USA and the unfortunate incident of 9/11 took place. Although there was no further security threat in USA or at North Carolina where the Davis Cup tie was to be held, it was decided by the ITF considering the overall mood in USA that it will not be appropriate to go ahead with the tie. ITF postponed the Davis Cup tie between India and USA even though there was no further security threat.

In view of the current situation ITF should follow the example it had set up in the tie between India and USA and postpone this particular Davis Cup Tie for two months by which time the matters would have stabilised and the atmosphere will be conducive for holding a friendly tie," the letter said.