The Davis Cup match will take place in Pakistan as the tribunal dismisses India's appeal regarding security concerns.
The tribunal has affirmed the ITF decision, stating there is no substantial reason in the appeal. The DCC's decision to stage the tie in Pakistan is justified and well-founded, according to the tribunal. Pakistan has successfully countered India's perspective on international platforms on two occasions.
Islamabad: The Chair of the Independent Tribunal has rejected India's appeal against the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Davis Cup Committee's (DCC) decision, affirming that the Davis Cup tie between Pakistan and India will take place in Pakistan. The 15-member DCC had previously accepted the Pakistan Tennis Federation's (PTF) arguments, asserting Pakistan's right to host the tie in Islamabad in the first week of February.
Despite the All India Tennis Association (AITA) appealing the decision, an independent tribunal was convened. The tribunal, led by Judge David Casserly (Sports Resolution UK), upheld the ITF's decision, stating that there were no substantial reasons to prevent the match from taking place in Pakistan. Consequently, the Pakistan-India Davis Cup tie is scheduled for February 4, 2024, in Islamabad.
The tribunal dismissed AITA's concerns about Pakistan's general elections and law and order issues, emphasizing that the DCC's decision had valid grounds. It emphasized the obligation of nations to abide by the DCC's choice of venue for Davis Cup ties.
This marks the second instance within a few months where Pakistan has prevailed over India's perspective on the international stage. The DCC initially rejected India's concerns and allocated the tie to Pakistan, and now the Independent Tribunal has upheld the DCC/PTF stance, dismissing AITA's objections.
The tribunal, after consulting a security consultant, directed the Indian federation to send its team for the tie. Failure to comply would result in awarding the tie to Pakistan. It assured that there is no situation in Pakistan preventing the Indian team from traveling, and necessary security measures will be in place.
President PTF Senator Salim Saifullah Khan expressed gratitude for the tribunal's decision, considering it significant for Pakistan tennis. He thanked the DCC for supporting their views and the ITF management for their assistance, anticipating that the Indian team's visit would be positive for tennis lovers and international sports in general.
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