After the terror attacks, cricketers are more worried about their security whilst playing in the matches. They are now skeptical of their safety too. The different teams like New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and England commissioned a report from their security expert, Reg Dickason, after there was a warning given by the Pakistan based militant group warned foreigners against attending three major sport events. These include the IPL, the Hockey World Cup and the Commonwealth Games.
This threat is believed to have come from Ilyas Kashmiri, who is an alleged al-Qaeda operative and heads the militant group of 313 Brigade. The Chief Executive of the Australian Cricketers Association, Paul Marsh however said that due to doubts a meeting between the players and the managers was held in Sydney on the participation of certain players like Matthew Hayden, Shane Warne, Adam Gilchrist and Andrew Symonds.
And when asked whether the players would be going to India, Marsh said that presently, it is difficult to comment as there are certain raised issues than the player’s position. There are around 25 of the players involved on this match. Also, the players wouldn’t be blindly lured by the wealth behind the IPL game to be held in March 12, 2010.
Moreover, the independent report has even identified some of the serious concerns with the current security process and these concerns more or so relate to the threat against the IPL event, its status and its implementation of the security plan. The process is simple, with the players meeting their groups and giving each other feedback on the raised concerns of IPL.
Last week itself, India sought to reassure the world about the safety at the meeting with Palaniappan Chidambaram, the Home Minister. The meeting was held to pledge to offer a high level security at the IPL Event. Through full security provided to the players, the coach, officials of the hockey, cricket and the upcoming Commonwealth Games, there is no need to worry about as per the Chief executive reports.
On the other hand, the chairman of the IPL, Lalit Modi similarly insisted that the tournament will not be moved despite any security concerns. The tournament will definitely be held with the same zest and excitement than it was seen and anticipated prior to any threats.
As far as the teams are concerned, the IPL teams are keeping their fingers crossed. They have voiced their similar concerns on safety measures as such threats to disrupt any sport event in India have become stronger. The boards even hosted a security briefing for its players with a final decision on their travel plans to India too. Further, security plans have been made more for the players when they land in India.
As per the earlier reports, the Australian, England and South African cricket boards have told their players to participate in the IPL at their own risk.