The All India Tennis Association (AITA) confirmed on Sunday that the Indian Davis Cup team will travel to Pakistan for their Davis Cup tie in September against the latter.
The relations between the two nations further strained up after a suicide car bomber killed at least 40 Indian parliamentary police in Kashmir in February, this year. There were doubts about India’s participation in the Asia/Oceania Group 1 tie of the Davis Cup, which is scheduled to take place in Islamabad in September.
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However, the secretary-general of AITA, Hironmoy Chatterjee confirmed India’s participation. He said in a statement on Sunday, “The team of six players, support staff and coach will be going to Pakistan. I will also go along with the team. We will be putting in the visa application for everyone. Pakistan hockey team travelled to India for the World Cup and now we are also going.”
While the Indian cricket team has not played a bilateral series against Pakistan since 2008. They have also not toured Pakistan since 2007. While the Indian tennis team last toured Pakistan in 1964 Davis Cup when they defeated the host 4-0. On the other hand, Pakistan last visited India in 2006, where they lost 3-2 against the hosts.
The secretary-general of AITA also clarified that they did not seek any permission from the Government of India as it is not a bilateral series but it is the World Cup of tennis. He continued, “It’s not a bilateral series, it’s the World Cup of tennis. So no government clearance was required.”
Chatterjee further revealed that they are applying for visas as they have received an invitation from Pakistan. “We needed an invitation from the Pakistan Tennis Federation for the visa process which we have received. We are applying for the visas soon as it’s a lengthy process, ” Hironmoy said.
“The security arrangements are ensured by the ITF. Their officials will be present during the tie. We have not made any special security demands,” Chatterjee added.
