The International Tennis Federation rejected Australia's request for a neutral venue for the May 8-10 tie and insisted it go ahead in Chennai a decision that Tennis Australia boss Geoff Pollard slammed as ''irresponsible.''

The stand-off may well mean that Hewitt never plays for his country again after winning more Davis Cup singles matches than any other Australian.

Hewitt's manager David Drysdale said, ''It could easily happen. He [Hewitt] will consider his response but this could spell the end of his Cup career which would be disappointing''.

Pollard said it was unreasonable to expect the Australian team to travel to India in the middle of their elections which had created an unstable situation with several people killed.

He said the ITF and India had refused to meet the security requirements TA demanded for the team.

Australia must now wait to see what penalty it will be given for pulling out of the match. Sanctions range from fines to a one-year suspension.

The Davis Cup website indicates that if a country pulls out of a tie it will be suspended from the competition for the following year.

Davis Cup captain John Fitzgerald was furious.

''Surely some thought must be given to the players' safety,'' Fitzgerald said. ''I believe they say the election is not a cause for concern, the Indian Premier League moving [to South Africa] 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?'' Fitzgerald asked.

''The ATP event involved no international teams and was held three months prior to the election.

''This decision makes no sense. We have worked so hard to get back into the World Group contention, to have it snatched away like this is gut wrenching.''

For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times

AAP