AITA may request ITF to consider neutral venue for Davis Cup, Pak to honour decision

Amid rising tensions with Pakistan, India's national tennis association is likely to approach the International Tennis Federation, seeking a neutral venue for next month's Davis Cup tie in Islamabad and the host federation says it will will abide by the ITF's ruling.

India's two-day tie against Pakistan is scheduled to begin in the Pakistan capital on September 14.

The Indian government revoked provisions of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir, taking away the state's special status and in retaliation Pakistan on Wednesday downgraded diplomatic ties with India.

Pakistan on Thursday stopped the Samjhauta Express at the Wagah border citing security concerns, following which an Indian crew escorted the train to Attari on the Indian side.

AITA Secretary General Hironmoy Chatterjee told PTI that in the current scenario, security of the Indian contingent remains a major concern and they are contemplating approaching ITF to provide a neutral venue for the tie.

"It might affect the Davis Cup tie. It's too early to say but what I intend to do is to wait for one or two days to see what turn the situation takes. Then we will ask ITF (International Tennis Federation) to look into the situation and take a call. And if required, consider a neutral venue," Chatterjee said.

"If they (Pakistan) don't issue visas, how do we go to Pakistan? They might not issue the visas. And if they give visas, will they be able to give us proper security so that we feel comfortable?" he elaborated on the many predicaments that AITA is dealing with right now.

Pakistan Tennis Federation President Salim Saifullah Khan admitted that
What if the ITF refuses to shift the tie, Chatterjee said, "Security parameters are set by the ITF, not us. In case of any mishap, the responsibility will be with the ITF. That's why they have to look into it in a proper manner."