Pakistan to host Davis Cup ties | The Express Tribune

Pakistan is set to host Davis Cup matches after the chair of Independent Tribunal rejected Indian plea against the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Davis Cup Committee’s (DCC) decision. 
Earlier, a 15-member DCC after hearing Pakistan Tennis Federation’s (PTF) arguments, granted the country hosted rights to host matches in Islamabad in the first week of February. 
However, All India Tennis Association (AIT) had challenged the DCC’s decision and an independent tribunal was formed. 
The tribunal upheld the ITF decision saying since there was no solid reason for not playing the match in Pakistan, hence, the Pakistan-India Davis Cup tie will be held on February 4 in Islamabad next year.
Judge David Casserly (Sports Resolution UK), rejecting AITA’s appeal, announced the decision in favor of Pakistan.
After going through all the relevant documents submitted by both parties — ITF Committee/Pakistan Tennis Federation and AITA –  the Tribunal upheld the decision maintaining that all the reasons quoted by the Indian counterparts [such as raising Pakistan’s general elections and law and order issues] seeking a neutral venue held no worth.
“The DCC’s decision to hold the tie in Pakistan has solid grounds and it is pertinent on all the nations to visit the venue (country) selected by the DCC for the Davis Cup ties,” the Tribunal said.
This is the second time Pakistan got the judgment in its favor against India in a couple of months.
The tribunal also took feedback from the security consultant before reaching the decision. It directed the Indian federation to send its team for the tie, failing which the tie will be awarded to Pakistan.
“There is no such situation in Pakistan where an Indian team cannot travel and participate in the Davis Cup tie,” said in the order. 
“Pakistan has hosted some important Davis Cup ties just recently in a successful manner so there is no solid grounds as to why Pakistan cannot host the tie against India in a befitting manner. Maintaining law and order is the sole responsibility of the host nation. Indian team should rest assured that required security measures will be in order for their travel and participation.”