Islamabad, February 1

Never has the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) received requests for passes for a Davis Cup match from regions as far as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, but the city of Islamabad is not emitting remotest of hints of hosting a high-profile India-Pakistan contest.

Nothing, not even a single poster, in this city suggests that an Indian team has crossed the border for a Davis Cup match after 60 years.

The Islamabad Sports Complex, the venue for the World Group I match, is devoid of buzz, and the sprawling complex is out of bounds even for the local media. In a nutshell, the excitement and atmosphere is missing.

“We would have made it a grand show for the Indian contingent but are forced to keep it as a low-key affair,” a PTF said.