Davis Cup 2020, Qualifiers: India vs Pakistan schedule, where to watch, live stream details and more
Amidst a lot of drama and heated controversies, the much-awaited Davis Cup Qualifiers in the Asia-Oceania group tie between India and Pakistan will take place in sub-zero conditions at Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan.
Historically speaking, if there is any match to be played between these neighbouring nations, there is always a certainty of controversies doing the rounds in the lead-up to it. A highly experienced Indian team is eagerly waiting to take on the young players from Pakistan, who have all travelled to Kazakhstan for the November 29th - 30th tie.
Initially scheduled to be held in September in Islamabad, the tie had to be shifted after the Indian players cited security concerns involving their travel to Pakistan. After requesting the International Tennis Federation (ITF) to change the venue to a neutral location, it was finally rescheduled for end-November.
The Pakistani team, however, were certainly not happy with the shift and as a mark of protest, the top players from the Pakistani team namely Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and Aqeel Khan also decided to boycott the tie and have instead, sent along a young and inexperienced team to Kazakhstan.
With the weather conditions highly precarious in Nur-Sultan, both teams are having a tough time coping with the icy situation. The mercury dips well below -9 degrees, making it a very difficult situation to play. Although the five matches will be held over two days in an indoor heated court, it's hardly an easy job training under such conditions.
The Indian team is expected to dominate, given that the side comprises of the in-form Sumit Nagal, Ramkumar Ramanathan and 18-time doubles Grand Slam Champion player, Leander Paes. The Pakistani team does not cut out a strong picture at this moment, as the top players have decided to give this tie a miss. The winner of this tie will travel to Croatia and play in a World Group Qualifier in March 2020.
Here's all you need to know about the Davis Cup 2020 Qualifiers
Tournament: Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group Qualifiers
Location: National Tennis Centre, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
Dates: November 29-November 30
Time: India v Pakistan Group Qualifier matches begin from 1:30 P.M IST on both days.
Squads
India: Saketh Myneni, Ramkumar Ramanathan, Jeevan Neduncheziyan, Sumit Nagal and Leander Paes, Rohit Rajpal (Captain)
Pakistan: Huzaifa Abdul Rehman, Yousuf Khan, Shoaib Khan, Ahmad Kamil, Amjad Hafeez, Muhammad Shoaib ( Captain, as on Davis Cup website)
Where to watch the India vs Pakistan Davis Cup Qualifiers?
There is no confirmation of the broadcast yet, but DD Sports might be airing the matches.
Where to live stream the India vs Pakistan Davis Cup Qualifiers?
There is no official streaming platform yet.