AITA finally relents, but only partly

The All India Tennis Association (AITA) on Sunday sought to end the row between itself and the eight players, led by Somdev Devvarman, and agreed to most of their  demands. A player pull-out from the Davis Cup Asia/ Oceania Group I tie against South Korea was threatened if their demands were not met.

“They had asked for change in positions of SP Misra, Nandan Bal, Dr Vece Paes (team doctor) and Sanjay Singhas (physiotherapist). Misra will stay for the Korea tie but Zeeshan Ali will be the Davis Cup coach in 2013. The Executive Committee has decided to approach the Sports Authority of India for a well-qualified doctor and physiotherapist,” the statement said. AITA added that the players’ suggestions were welcome but the association would have the final say.

The AITA admitted that it had received a letter from Misra expressing his desire to discontinue. The association  said the captain  would be honoured after the Korea tie in New Delhi.

With regard to the players’ demands of better share of prize money, as compared to 50:50 at present, the AITA said, “The AITA EC has decided that for Asia/ Oceania Group II, it will be 50:50. For Group I, 60 percent to players and 40 to AITA. And if they win an Asia/Oceania Zonal tie (Group I), it will be 70 per cent for the players.”

“For World Group ties, it will be 70 per cent to the players and 30 to the AITA. For away ties, it will be the old arrangement of 100 percent to the players,” it added.

The players had also asked for a say in choosing venues, to which the AITA said they would consider conducive weather conditions prior to allotting ties. Suggestions on the surface and climatic conditions would be taken from the captain.

It remains to be seen if the players agree to the proposals. The team for the Korea tie will be picked on January 11.