AITA begins visa process for Davis Cup tie vs Pak

New Delhi, October 15 

The All India Tennis Association (AITA) today decided to begin the process to procure Pakistan visas for its players and support staff, indicating that it may send a team to the neighbouring nation for next month’s Davis Cup tie in case the International Tennis Federation (ITF) rejects its request to shift the tie to a neutral venue.

It has been learnt that AITA won’t force any player to travel to Pakistan and is willing to send even a second-string team to avoid  suspension, relegation and fine by ITF. The tie was originally scheduled to be held in Islamabad on September 14-15 but was postponed to November 29-30 by ITF after a security review. AITA is consistently writing to the world governing body to shift the tie to a neutral venue, citing security concerns.

AITA’s office-bearers and Davis Cup team captain Mahesh Bhupathi met here today and decided to at least start the visa process and keep pushing for a neutral venue.

“We are waiting for a final decision from ITF and accordingly will take a call, but as of now we have to start the visa process,” AITA secretary general Hironmoy Chatterjee said.

ITF, in its most recent reply, has conveyed to AITA that the Davis Cup Committee will make a decision only after the security agencies file a report early next month.

A decision is expected on November 4. A few players and Bhupathi have already expressed apprehensions about travelling to Pakistan. Bhupathi said ITF must take responsibility of India’s travelling squad, if it finds Islamabad safe to travel. — PTI