AITA sets deadline as players play hardball

The All India Tennis Federation (AITA) has responded to its players' rejection of Zeeshan Ali as coach among other reservations by fixing a December 10 deadline for them to fall in line or risk being dropped for the Davis Cup tie against South Korea.

The six players led by Somdev Devvarman had listed a set of demands last week, that included increased share of Davis Cup prize money, appointment of the new coach and a revamp of the support staff. On Sunday, the AITA removed team doctor Vece Paes and appointed Ali in place of Nandan Bal.

The AITA also gave the players greater say in fixing venue and surface of Davis Cup matches. But on Monday, the players shot off a fresh letter to the AITA in which they raised fresh issues.

"None of us can dispute Zeeshan's credentials as a player. But to us this decision does not make sense. None of the younger players on the team have met or had any interactions with him. We have also not seen him in any of the futures, challengers or tour events we have played. This comes back to our point as we feel like we need someone who is in touch with the players and the current game and players on tour," said the email from the players.

AITA CEO Hironmoy Chatterjee, however, was having none of it. "We have met all their demands but they continue to raise new issues. The offer we have made is full and final from our side. Now if they do not make themselves available before January 10 we will not consider them for the tie against South Korea,".

The selection committee meeting is scheduled to be held on January 11 for the February 1-3 tie.

If the crisis does not end, it would mean that barring Leander Paes, none of the other top players - Mahesh Bhupathi, Rohan Bopanna, Somdev Devvarman, Yuki Bhambri, Sanam Singh, Vishnu Vardhan, Divij Sharan and Saketh Myneni - would be available for play the tie.

... contd.

ALSO READ

No substitute for Messi

Mayweather too hot

Gambhir, Yuvraj miss Champions Trophy bus

CSK vs MI: Bravo and Pollard - similar blokes, different strokes