JOIN USAITA spells out its truce plan
The AITA came up with a compromise formula to placate the revolting players as it accommodated some of their demands, such as change in support staff, but also kept its authority intact by keeping the final decision on all matters in its hand.
The players had demanded to have a new team captain, coach, doctor and physiotherapist to which AITA agreed but did not accept the choice put forward by the players.
The national tennis body has replaced coach Nandan Bal with Zeeshan Ali even as the players had preferred Aditya Sachdeva, who has coached talented Yuki Bhambri, a member of the Indian team.
The AITA decided that the team captain should be an experienced Davis Cup player and the coach should have at least been a former Davis Cupper. “This decision was taken by the Executive Committee so that Davis Cuppers have an opportunity to serve the nation even after their retirement. Accordingly, we are pleased to inform you that the new coach for the year 2013 for the Indian Davis cup team will be Zeeshan Ali,” AITA said in a statement.
AITA has also assured to change captain S P Misra after the South Korea tie but it is not known if the replacement would be of the players’ choice or the tennis body would impose its own candidate.
The other major bone of contention was the sharing of the prize money for the Davis Cup. AITA has decided to increase players’ share for Group I ties from 50 to 60 per cent as against 70-30 demanded by them. However, AITA said it will raise the players share to 70 per cent if the team wins Group I.
It remains to be seen if the players agree to AITA proposal.
Players’ demands
- New team captain, coach, doctor and physiotherapist.
- Increase prize money Group I ties on 70:30 share basis and 80-20 for World Group ties.
- Major say in deciding venues for home Davis Cup ties. Treat all players on par when it comes to logistical arrangements.
AITA action
- Present captain SP Misra to continue till Korea tie. Zeeshan Ali replaces Nandan Bal as the coach. Team doctor Vece Paes relieved, new doctor and physio to be named after consulting SAI.
- Group I tie money rasied from 50 to 60 per cent and an increase of 70 per cent if the team wins Group I. Share increased to 70 per cent for World Group. Team sponsorship money to shared on 50:50 basis.
- Can’t keep the ties to just one State.
- Captain and four players to travel business class, the cap being Rs 3.5 lakh. The rest of the players to travel economy, the cap per player being Rs 1.75 lakh.