Islamabad, Jan 29
The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi announced via a release on Sunday that it has issued visas for Indian players and support staff for the upcoming Davis Cup World Group 1 playoff tie to be held on the grass courts of Islamabad on February 3-4. The All India Tennis Association (AITA) had initially seen an appeal to have the tie in a neutral venue rejected by an International Tennis Federation tribunal. The most recent tie between the two countries in 2019 had been held in Kazakhstan. Following the rejection of their appeal, AITA began the process of seeking permission from the sports ministry to travel to Pakistan, where Indian teams, outside of some exceptions, have usually refrained from visiting due to bilateral tensions. This will be the first time that an Indian team will travel to Pakistan for a Davis Cup tie since 1964.
While clarity was yet to be received on whether the Indian government will grant permission for the team to travel, the News International newspaper had reported last week that preparations – including ensuring top-notch security cover for the travelling Indian squad – were already in full flow. The report also stated that the Indian team was expected to arrive in Islamabad on January 29.
Two of India’s top-ranked singles players – Sumit Nagal and Sasikumar Mukund – had already announced their intentions to pull out of the tie, meaning World No. 463 Ramkumar Ramanathan will spearhead an Indian contingent full of doubles specialists.
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