The chair of the Independent Tribunal determined that Pakistan will host its Davis Cup match against India, rejecting India’s appeal against the ITF Davis Cup Committee’s decision, The News reported on Saturday.
The 15-member DCC accepted the Pakistan Tennis Federation’s (PTF) arguments, proving Pakistan’s eligibility to host the competition. Islamabad will host it in the first week of February.
After the All India Tennis Association (AITA) appealed the verdict, an independent tribunal was formed. The panel upheld the ITF’s ruling that Pakistan had no sufficient reason to host the Davis Cup match; hence, Pakistan and India will play in Islamabad on February 4, 2024.
David Casserly, a judge with Sports Resolution UK, rejected AITA’s appeal against the committee’s tie decision.
The Tribunal upheld the verdict after reviewing AITA, Pakistan Tennis Federation, and ITF Committee documents. It said the AITA’s arguments about Pakistan’s general elections and law and order were inadequate for finding a neutral place.
“The DCC’s decision to hold the tie in Pakistan has solid grounds, and it is pertinent for all the nations to visit the venue (country) selected by the DCC for the Davis Cup ties,” the Tribunal said.
India has lost to Pakistan twice in international play for the first time in months. After the DCC rejected India’s case and handed Pakistan the tie, the Independent Tribunal’s Chair supported the DCC/PTF position and ignored AITA complaints.
Read More
The tribunal considered the security consultant’s advice before deciding. If India cannot field a squad, Pakistan will win the tie.
“Indian teams can travel to Pakistan for Davis Cup matches. Pakistan has hosted several significant Davis Cup matches recently, so there’s no reason they can’t host the India match well. The host nation is fully responsible for law and order. The committee believes the Indian team should be assured of all security standards for travel and participation.
The PTF said the tie is scheduled safely and that AITA’s DCC and Tribunal assertions are unfounded.
Recently, India’s baseball, kabaddi, and bridge teams visited Pakistan. The ITF DCC, which favored Pakistan, requested the AITA submit a tie team after the presentation. Pakistan would win the tie otherwise.
Senator Salim Saifullah Khan, PTF President, told The News, “The AITA’s dismissal of the appeal is, indeed, a big and important decision for Pakistan tennis and our fraternity, which anxiously awaited the Independent Tribunal’s award.” I am appreciative of the DC Committee’s support, the ITF management’s assistance, and the learned chair of the tribunal’s recognition of our Islamabad actual facts.
“The Indian team coming to play here would auger well for tennis lovers and international sports, overall.”
Share this content:
