NEW DELHI: Pakistan Tennis Federation president Salim Saifullah Khan has assured the Indian team a “very safe and secure environment” as the strife-torn country prepares to host the upcoming Asia-Oceania Group I playoff tie at Islamabad.
The Davis Cup encounter will mark the first instance of an Indian Davis Cup team traveling to Pakistan since 1964 (India had won that tie 4-0).
“We are eagerly waiting for the Indian team. There will be good arrangements for Indian fans and the players. We will host the tie in a very safe and secure atmosphere,” Khan told PTI.
When reminded that there are apprehensions regarding players’ safety in Pakistan, Khan assured that nothing untoward will happen.
“The ITF consultants were here for three days and they inspected everything. Islamabad is not a big city like Delhi, Lahore and Mumbai. The population here is below two million.
“All the set up will be declared a red zone because the Parliament, Presidency and the PM (residence) are also there. I am sure nothing untoward will happen and the Indian players would be comfortable,” he said.
Khan’s assurances would be welcomed by the players seeing as non playing team captain Mahesh Bhupathi wrote a letter to All India Tennis Association (AITA) seeking assurances over the safety of the contingent. AITA has also reiterated that the tie will go ahead as planned. “No, there will be no problems,” a senior AITA official told New Indian Express. The Sports Ministry said they do not interfere in federation autonomy. “We do not interfere in federation autonomy. Neither permission is required nor do we prohibit or assist.”
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