India is most likely to travel to Kazakhstan’s capital Nur-Sultan. The wait is over for Indian Davis Cup players after they expressed concerns over travelling to Pakistan over security issues. However, ITF is yet to make the venue official
New Delhi: The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has nominated Nur-Sultan as the venue to host the Davis Cup tie between India and Pakistan.
India is most likely to travel to Kazakhstan’s capital Nur-Sultan. The wait is over for Indian players after they expressed concerns over travelling to Pakistan over security issues. However, ITF is yet to make the venue official.
Also read: Leander Paes returns to India squad to face Pakistan
The Independent Tribunal of the ITF endorsed the decision taken by the Davis Cup Committee on November 4 that the tie should be shifted to a neutral venue, keeping in mind safety and security of players and officials.
Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) had filed an appeal contesting the decision. It argued that if Indian pilgrims can visit Pakistan without any security threat, why can't the Indian team play matches in Islamabad.
"The ITF has communicated to us that the tie will be held in Nur-Sultan. We can't say if they rejected the PTF appeal. In a late-night communication, they just mentioned the new venue," AITA CEO Akhuori Bishwadeep told PTI.
The tie was scheduled to be held in September but was pushed to November 29-30 after India expressed concerns about the safety of their players due to the prevailing diplomatic tensions between the two nations following the revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.
India have named a full-strength squad for the tie as all the top players, who had refused to travel to Islamabad, agreed to play on a neutral venue.
The side will be led by top singles players Sumit Nagal and Ramkumar Ramanathan while veteran Leander Paes and Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan are likely to pair up for the doubles.
Top doubles player Rohan Bopanna pulled out of the tie on Monday after suffering a shoulder injury.
Sumit Nagal, Ramkumar Ramanathan, Sasi Kumar Mukund, Saketh Myneni, Leander Paes.
Captain: Rohit Rajpal, Coach: Zeeshan Ali, Physio: Anand Kumar, Team Manager: Sunder Iyer.
(With inputs from PTI)
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