New Delhi: To avoid controversy surrounding the credentials of the selectors in future, the AITA today replaced Anil Dhupar as chairman of the senior selection committee with former Davis Cup captain S P Misra.
The rival faction within the All India Tennis Association (AITA) has always criticised the composition of the selection committee, questioning Dhupar's presence.
While all other members of committee -- Rohit Rajpal, Balram Singh, Zeeshan Ali and Nandan Bal -- have represented India, Dhupar has not played for the country.
"To curb any controversy arising out of this issue, we have decided to replace Anil Dhupar with S P Misra," AITA Secretary General Bharat Oza told PTI from Mumbai after AITA Executive Committee meeting.
"The whole approach will look more professional. Internationally it has been done and we are following that," Oza added.
"The Selection Committee of AITA will now consist only of former Davis Cup/Fed Cup," AITA said in a release.
Dhupar, under whose leadership the Madhya Pradesh Tennis Association (MPTA) hosted a well-organised Davis Cup tie against Chinese Taipei, said he would now like to work for junior tennis.
"I served as chairman for eight years. Now there are new responsibilities," Dhupar said.
In another significant decision, Rohit Rajpal and Misra have also been inducted as members of the Executive Committee for the period 2014-2016.
"They will enjoy the same powers as all other Executive Committee Members. This step has been taken in accordance with International Guidelines for involving sportspersons in the Management of National Sports Federations," the release said.
