Ending days of speculation, the India-Pakistan Davis Cup tie has been postponed to November.

The International Tennis Federation (ITF), in an email late on Thursday, said: “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 between Pakistan and India in Islamabad, due to be played on 14-15 September.

“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. The tie has been rescheduled for November, with the exact dates to be confirmed by the Committee no later than 9 September.

“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.”

Following the abrogation of Article 370 in Kashmir, relations between the two neighbours hit a new low, with the Pakistan government downgrading diplomatic relations and sending back Indian high commissioner Ajay Bisaria.

India Davis Cup team captain Mahesh Bhupathi told The Telegraph: “We are happy with the decision taken by the ITF. Hopefully, by November, the situation will improve and normalcy will return.”

The India team was ready to travel to Islamabad for the tie, after ITF observers had given the green light regarding security. But that was before the abrogation.

Bhupathi, who had earlier voiced his reservations about making a trip to Pakistan, had agreed following assurances from the ITF (the owners of Davis Cup) and the All India Tennis Association (AITA). But after the political situation deteriorated between the neighbours, he insisted that the AITA must either ask the ITF for postponement of the tie, or for a change of venue.

The ITF had, till early last week, insisted: “The overall security risk rating for Pakistan has not changed, however, we will continue to monitor the situation closely.”

With the AITA repeating their requests, making clear that the current scenario was not conducive for the India team to travel to Pakistan, the matter was taken up by the Davis Cup Committee of the ITF on Tuesday.

Coach Zeeshan Ali said: “This was a wise decision, though a neutral venue would perhaps have been better. But right now, this is the best for everyone. This gives us time to hold a camp on grass, since by November grass courts in India will be operational. Also, November means, with the tennis season over, the players will all be available.”

AITA secretary-general Hironmoy Chatterjee said: “We are happy with the decision taken by the ITF. We have good relations with the Pakistan Tennis Federation and hope by November the scenario between the countries will improve.”