Syed Kirmani slams AITA for disrespecting 'icon' Mahesh Bhupathi

Former Indian cricketer Syed Kirmani has slammed the All India Tennis Association (AITA) for replacing Mahesh Bhupathi as the non-playing captain of the Indian team for the Davis Cup. Mahesh Bhupathi was replaced by Rohit Rajpal on Monday after the ITF announced its decision to shift the venue of the India-Pakistan tie to a neutral venue. Mahesh Bhupathi had voiced concerns over the safety and security of the Indian team that was supposed to travel to Islamabad for the game against Pakistan. AITA's move to replace Mahesh Bhupati as the captain has invited a trail of fury from sportspersons across the country who have spoken against the association's treatment meted out to Mahesh Bhupathi. 

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Syed Kirmani slams AITA

Speaking to Republic TV, Syed Kirmani said that the committee had to respect a great icon such as Mahesh Bhupathi and that instead of reacting drastically, it should look into the positive point of things. Syed Kirmani said that he was not aware of the reports of the inner committee and said that maybe Mahesh Bhupathi had some personal issues traveling to Pakistan but the committee could have solved it diligently. Syed Kirmani said that Mahesh Bhupati was sincere in his efforts and he was the icon of his country. 

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Jwala Gutta backs Mahesh Bhupathi  

The badminton ace, speaking to Republic TV,  has hit out at the associations for mistreating the players and said that she too did not receive much respect. Jwala Gutta said that the association was not bothered about the players and that the players must unite to protest against this. Backing Mahesh Bhupathi over the Davis Cup controversy, Jwala Gutta said that the association should have spoken to Mahesh Bhupathi regarding the visit to Pakistan and its security concerns instead of serving him an abrupt treatment. 

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Mahesh Bhupathi breaks his silence

India's tennis ace Mahesh Bhupathi broke his silence on the Davis Cup controversy just days after he was replaced as the non-playing captain of the Indian team. Taking to Twitter, Mahesh Bhupathi revealed that he had received a call from AITA chairman Hiranmoy Chatterjee on Monday, informing him that Rohit Rajpal will be replacing him as the captain as he wasn't comfortable traveling to Pakistan. Mahesh Bhupathi further said that he not heard from the AITA ever since ITF decided to shift the venue of the India-Pakistan Davis Cup tie to a neutral venue. Mahesh Bhupathi also said that he still believed that he was the captain unless he heard so otherwise. 

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