Indian Premier League owner Lalit Modi has opted not to increase security during the upcoming season, despite pleads and recommendations from others who want to be more secure. Modi cites a good security plan already in place for the tournament, which starts next month, as a reason.
This news comes in the wake of the terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team that left six police officers dead and eight team members injured in a failed attempt to kidnap the team in Pakistan. With that still fresh in everyone's minds, many international cricketers are demanding that security is heightened. If that does not happen, players might threaten to sit out the season altogether. Modi has downplayed that possibility, claiming the terrorist attacks on the Sri Lankan team are a separate issue.
"We already have good security and we will continue with that security. There's no change," he said. "What is happening with Pakistan has nothing to do with us. It's a different regime and a different country. If a bombing takes place in another country, it has nothing to do with the IPL."
Much of the concern comes from the Australian cricketers, who are not used to the conflicts and attacks that are occurring In India and Pakistan. They allegedly wanted the extra protection for the Twenty20 showcase, which is coming up in June. Modi will not address those players about their availability, but continues to reassure those concerned about the security levels.
"I haven't spoken to any Australian player. I see no reason to ask them if they want to play because I believe it is safe to play," he said. "You'd have to ask them that but I see no reason why they shouldn't still come.
Since India lacks safe transportation for the cricket teams, buses might not be the best mode of transport while traveling.
"India does not have bulletproof buses," said New Delhi-based security expert Ajay Sahni. "I cannot predict what'll exactly happen, but it's not inconceivable that sometimes cricketers may be asked to travel in small groups in bomb-proof passenger cars."
"We had a bomb blast in Jaipur last year while the tournament was on and everything was ready to go forward and play. Incidents do take place from time to time, but we are comfortable with our security."
Modi is making it clear that the Indian Premier League is not leaving the country.
"It is the Indian Premier League, it must be played in India. We are here to fix all the IPL related matters."
Let us know what you think about this situation. Should the cricketers be as secure as possible for this season? Drop us a comment.
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