LONDON: Australia face the prospect of being banned from the Davis Cup for a year after Tennis Australia announced that the team will not travel to Chennai for the tie against India next month. The decision follows the International Tennis Federation (ITF) board's rejection of an appeal to shift the Asia/Oceania zone group one third-round tie out of India because of security concerns.

"We asked for the tie to be moved because we have major security concerns for the players, particularly during the election," Tennis Australia president Geoff Pollard said. "The ITF decision has left us with no other option. We cannot send the team. It is extremely disappointing.

"It would be irresponsible of us to send our players into an area of such high risk. [The] Davis Cup is very important to us but some things are more important than tennis."

The decision also angered Davis Cup captain John Fitzgerald, who believes the ITF should follow the move to switch the Indian Premier League to South Africa due to security concerns.

"It is just irresponsible. Surely some thought must be given to the players' safety," he said. "I believe they say the election is not a cause for concern, the IPL moving is not relevant and that an ATP tournament held in January shows it is safe to play in Chennai.

"So what about the fact that dozens of people are being killed along the campaign trail of the election? A train was hijacked this week, but that does not alter their thoughts? Did the IPL move for no reason?

"The ATP event involved no national teams and was held three months prior to the election. This decision makes no sense. We have worked so hard to get back in to World Group contention, to have it snatched away like this is gut wrenching."

Fitzgerald said the players shared his disappointment and still had hoped that the ITF would change their decision prior to 8 May.

The ITF announced their decision by saying: "The ITF Board of Directors has upheld the decision of the Davis Cup Committee regarding the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania zone group one third-round tie between India and Australia.

"The tie will take place at the SDAT Tennis Stadium in Chennai on 8-10 May. The location and venue was previously approved by the Davis Cup Committee following a positive report from the ITF's security consultants."