The Independent Tribunal has rejected India’s appeal against the decision of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Davis Cup Committee (DCC), confirming that the Davis Cup tie between Pakistan and India will proceed in Pakistan.
The DCC had earlier supported the arguments presented by the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF), asserting Pakistan’s right to host the tie scheduled for the first week of February in Islamabad.
Following the All India Tennis Association’s (AITA) appeal, an independent tribunal was convened, and it has now upheld the ITF decision. The tribunal stated that as there were no substantial reasons to avoid playing the match in Pakistan, the Pakistan-India Davis Cup tie is set to take place on February 4, 2024, in Islamabad.
Judge David Casserly, representing Sports Resolution UK, dismissed AITA’s appeal against the committee’s decision to award the tie to Pakistan.
The tribunal carefully examined all relevant documents submitted by both parties and found that the reasons cited by AITA, such as concerns about Pakistan’s general elections and law and order issues, did not justify a change in venue.
The tribunal emphasized that the DCC’s decision to hold the tie in Pakistan was well-founded, and it urged all nations to respect the venue selected by the DCC for Davis Cup ties. This marks the second instance in a few months where Pakistan has prevailed over India’s viewpoint on an international platform.
The tribunal sought input from a security consultant before making its decision and directed the Indian federation to send its team for the tie. Failure to comply would result in the tie being awarded to Pakistan.
The tribunal assured that there is no situation in Pakistan preventing the Indian team from traveling and participating in the Davis Cup tie, emphasizing that Pakistan has successfully hosted important Davis Cup ties recently.
The PTF, in its presentations to the DCC and the Tribunal, maintained that the tie is planned in the safest possible environment, dismissing AITA’s concerns as unfounded. The presentation also highlighted recent sports exchanges between the two countries, including visits by India’s baseball, kabaddi, and bridge teams to Pakistan.
President of PTF, Senator Salim Saifullah Khan, expressed gratitude for the decision, considering it a significant milestone for Pakistan tennis. He highlighted the importance of international sports and welcomed the prospect of the Indian team participating in the Davis Cup tie in Pakistan.
