Big win for India: ITF puts off Davis Cup tie

India have scored a major victory over Pakistan when International Tennis Federation (ITF) agreed on Thursday to postpone the Davis Cup tie, scheduled in Islamabad next month. Citing "exceptional circumstances" after the security review, ITF has moved the tie to November.

The decision came after the All India Tennis Association (AITA) wrote to ITF last week asking to shift the September 14-15 tie to either a neutral venue or postpone it until political tensions ease out between the two neighbours.

"Following an in-depth security review of the current situation in Pakistan by independent expert security advisors, the Davis Cup Committee has taken the decision to postpone the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group I tie. The committee concluded that this is an exceptional circumstance while the first priority of the ITF is the safety and security of athletes, officials and spectators," an ITF statement said.

"The tie has been rescheduled for November, with the exact dates to be confirmed by the Committee no later than September 9. The ITF will continue to monitor the situation in Pakistan and the Davis Cup Committee will re-convene to re-examine the security situation in advance of the tie," ITF added.

A senior AITA officials said: "If situation improves, we will have no issue travelling to Pakistan. But if it doesn't, then there is every reason to approach ITF again to move the tie altogether."