-Shahid Hashmi
The Indian tennis contingent had their first training session on the lush green grass courts of Islamabad Sports Complex, a day after arriving in Pakistan.
This is the first time an Indian tennis team has come to Pakistan since 1964.
The Davis Cup Group 1 play-off tie will be played on Saturday and Sunday with India strong favourites to win and re-enter the World Group. India boast a 7-0 win record against Pakistan, having beaten them 4-1 the last time they met in Kazakhstan in 2019.
That year the tie was shifted to a neutral venue on India’s request as they cited security fears amidst heightened tension between the Asian rivals. This time, though, the tie will be played in Pakistan, as security has improved in the country. Top cricket teams like Australia and England visited Pakistan last year.
Indian players looked relaxed as they found the conditions similar to Delhi, where they attended a camp.
A special security advisor is put with the Indian contingent who is travelling with them from the luxurious seven-star Serena hotel where Australia and England teams were also put up in the recent past.
Pakistan’s veteran player Aqeel Khan welcomed the Indian team with a tinge of warning on the courts.
“We welcome the Indian team who are here after a long time,” said Khan. “But they must be facing our top game, as this tie is on grass on which we do well.”
Also Read: What Rohit Sharma has to do in Visakhapatnam to regain lost ground