Crucial Pakistan-India Davis Cup tie shifted out of Islamabad to 'neutral' venue
Pakistan's Davis Cup tie against India has been shifted out of Islamabad and now will be played at a neutral venue on November 29 and 30.
Pakistan's forthcoming Davis Cup tie against India has been shifted out of Islamabad and will now be played at a neutral venue. The International Tennis Federation (ITF) communicated its final decision regarding the Asia/Oceania Zone Group 1 tie scheduled for November 29 and 30.
By virtue of being the original host nation, the Pakistan Tennis Federation now has the choice to nominate a neutral venue and has five working days to confirm their proposed venue.
In its release ITF cited that the decision was taken "following a review of the latest advice given by the ITF's independent security advisors" and that it’s "first priority has always been the safety of athletes, officials, spectators."
An Indian tennis team last played a Davis Cup tie in Pakistan in 1964, when they beat the hosts 4-0. Pakistan lost 3-2 when they played in Mumbai in 2006.
Pakistan currently placed in the Asia/Oceania Zone of Group I tie. They reached the World Group Play-offs in 2005, and reached the Eastern Zone final in 1984.
Pakistan were promoted from the Asia/Oceania Zone Group III with an undefeated record. In 2009, the team were seeded 4th in the Asia/Oceania Group II, and beat Oman 4–1, having taken a 3–0 lead. Pakistan faced the Philippines in the semi-final.
In 2017 Pakistan won the Group II defeating Thailand in the finals by 3-2. Aqeel Khan won the final tie for Pakistan at Islamabad Sports Complex. Earlier Pakistan defeated Iran and got walkover in the semi-finals.
In 2018 Pakistan won Davis Cup tie 4-0 against S. Korea in Round 1 but fell 4-1 to visiting Uzbekistan team in the second round tie.
