Sumit Nagal, Sasi Mukund, Top Indian Tennis Stars, Withdraw From Davis Cup Tie In Pakistan

The decision by the players has raised eyebrows, with Sumit Nagal citing discomfort on grass courts, and Sasi Mukund attributing his withdrawal to "personal reasons."

India's leading singles players, Sumit Nagal and Sasi Kumar Mukund, have communicated their unavailability for the upcoming Davis Cup tie in Pakistan, prompting the All India Tennis Association (AITA) to address the matter at its next Executive Committee meeting, as confirmed in a report by news agency PTI.  The decision by the players, ranked 141 and 477 in the ATP chart, respectively, has raised eyebrows, with Nagal citing discomfort on grass courts, and Mukund attributing his withdrawal to "personal reasons."

The absence of these key players poses a challenge for India, whose Davis Cup challenge will now be led by Ramkumar Ramanathan, known for his effective 'serve and volley' style. The team's next best option is Digvijay Pratap Singh, who made his Davis Cup debut earlier this year.

AITA Secretary General expressed disappointment with the players' decisions, emphasizing the importance of national duty. The Executive Committee will deliberate on the matter, and there is a suggestion that the AITA may consider formulating a Davis Cup selection policy.

Efforts to have the tie shifted to a neutral venue have been rejected by the Davis Cup Committee, despite India's appeal. The last time India faced Pakistan in Davis Cup was in 2019, and due to "security concerns," the tie was moved to Kazakhstan. However, the Davis Cup Committee's decision has prompted India to prepare for the possibility of playing in Pakistan.

This Could Be India's First Davis Cup Trip To Pakistan In 59 years

Notably, this potential visit would mark India's first Davis Cup trip to Pakistan in 59 years and only the third in the history of the team tournament. Despite the historical significance, concerns about the players' refusal and the geopolitical context surrounding the tie remain focal points for the AITA's deliberations.

Meanwhile, Pakistan remains keen on hosting the Indian team for the Davis Cup with the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) communicating very clearly that they would not send a team if the tourmanent is shifted out of the country.

"They should come to Pakistan. It's not fair that they do not come to Pakistan. The Indian team is much better than us. We have a beautiful hotel just across the stadium. If Indians come, it will send a good message that we are good neighbours," PTF President Salim Saifullah Khan had told PTI after the Davis Cup draw.

(With Inputs From PTI)