England cricket stars demand last-ditch veto on India tour

Former international all-rounder Dominic Cork claims "at least five or six players" are preparing to opt out of the tour in the wake of last week's terrorist attacks on Mumbai.

But most - and perhaps all - members of the original 15-man squad appear ready to board a plane to the United Arab Emirates providing they have the option of returning home if they feel there is still a risk to their safety.

The England and Wales Cricket Board are expected to confirm later today that the tour is going ahead and the squad will not leave for the Middle-East until such announcement is made.

Kevin Pietersen and his players will then wait for the up-to-date security situation as it stands at the weekend before deciding whether to complete the journey back to India on Monday.

The latest developments came as it was revealed that a world squash tournament, due to be held in Chennai immediately after the First Test, has been called off for safety reasons.

Australia's players had been advised by their country's High Commission in India not to travel and now organisers have postponed the event. There were also reports today of Indian police defusing bombs at Mumbai's main train station.

For the moment, however, it looks as though Pietersen will lead a near first-choice squad to the United Arab Emirates tomorrow for three days of training.

Andrew Flintoff, who along with Steve Harmison had seemed the most likely to pull out following England's dramatic return from India, is thought to be ready to travel.

But with most players not yet prepared to guarantee their appearance in Chennai and injury doubts over bowlers Ryan Sidebottom (side) and Stuart Broad (calf), plenty of reserves will also head to Abu Dhabi.

Members of the Performance Squad are set to travel tomorrow while Middlesex paceman Alan Richardson has been asked to join the party.

"We've got five or six days to get the security reports and ensure we can say we have exercised our duty of care to the guys," said Sean Morris, chief executive of the Professional Cricketers' Association.

Morris and his namesake, Hugh - chief executive of the ECB - were in talks at Lord's this morning.

Sean Morris said earlier that he did not know of any player who had already decided not to return and sources at Lord's suggested former England all-rounder Cork was wide of the mark.

Chairman of selectors Geoff Miller was believed to be ringing players this morning to check their thoughts. Cork said: "I know of at least five or six players who are going to turn their backs on England."

Much now depends on the reports of England's own security advisor, Reg Dickason, who is currently in India.