The All India Tennis Association (AITA)’s hasty decision to change the captain of the Davis Cup team for the tie against Pakistan has drawn sharp criticism from Rohan Bopanna.

Keeping in mind the players’ unwillingness to travel to Islamabad for the tie, and in anticipation that the International Tennis Federation (ITF) will not change the venue, the AITA on Monday had appointed its selection panel chairman and former player Rohit Rajpal as non-playing captain, replacing Mahesh Bhupathi.

However, late on Monday, the ITF agreed to hold the Asia/Oceania Group I tie at the neutral venue, giving ‘hosts’ Pakistan five days time to chose one.

That changed the scenario significantly, as India now have two sets of players available for the tie — the ones who were originally selected, and those who made themselves available later with the first bunch showing reluctance.

Bopanna, on Tuesday, tweeted that the players were not informed before the change in captain was announced.

“It surprises me that AITA changed the Davis Cup captain before ITF announced the final decision yesterday (04.11.19) and where the tie would be held,” Bopanna said in a statement posted on his twitter handle.

“What shocks me more is that none of the players were asked or even informed that the captain was going to be changed.”

The statement added: “When we bring our Patriotism on court with racquet in hand, we also bring a Voice.” The AITA, however, has stuck to their decision and has said it is the association’s prerogative to choose the captain.

Sources close to the team said on Tuesday that the final squad will be selected once the neutral venue is finalised.

The iconic Leander Paes is among those who have made themselves available after the ‘chosen’ squad had shown reluctance to travel to Islamabad.