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England cricket stars demand last-ditch veto on India tour
David Lloyd03.12.08
England's cricketers have agreed to fly out to Abu Dhabi on their way back to India but will have the final say on whether to abandon the tour after studying the latest security reports on Monday - just three days before the start of the First Test in Chennai.
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.
Reader views (17)
Of course they should go. When 7/& happened we wanted tourists to still come to London to show the terrorists that they had not won. We should therefore show the same support to Mumbai.
- Mark, London
Yes, our England team should go and play cricket in India; being out for a duck, is better than being chicken.
- Jack R, Lancaster, England
They should not even think of going back, but money makes people do stupid things.
- E.Cowham, Melbourne, Australia
Should England's cricket stars return to India?
Only if they promise not to come back!
- Frank, Home Counties, England
Money before safety, what about the safety of the Barmy Army?
- Gary, Worcester Park
Why should they be worried. Any terrorist would only be interested in "successful" cricketers. Most educated terrorists would never have head of most of the English team like most English people. Let them come back and concentrate of what they care about most such as modelling contracts, appearing on sports quiz shows or seeing their mistresses'.
- Alan, Brighton
Having worked in sport and in particular cricket I am convinced that England should not go back to India. The safety of the players comes first but also in a country where cricket is so important the continuation of the tour would bring a perception of a return to normality in India. I think by taking away what a nation loves and respects so much due to the actions of a minority that there will be a greater impact. The terrorists responsible must not be allowed to get away with it. India is a wonderful country, the people of which are respectful and genuine cricket lovers we owe it to them not to go back. I was involved in Zimbabwe Cricket when England were debating whether to play World Cup games there, there is far more to it than safety and security, it is about making a stand!
- Rv, Hampshire
The England cricket team are truly nuts if they return to India - money before safety - is not a good enough reason
- Gary, Worcester Park
Cork has apparently said the English cricketers were traumatized during their trip to India. I trust he means that five nil thrashing in the one day games, so were we over here.
- James Hennessy, london england
Some of theplayers will be thinking that if they do not go back it will scupper their chances of reking in a fortune playing in the IPL
- Richard Chalklin, Cambridge UK
As an ex-serviceman I am appalled that our cricketers appear to be wavering regarding playing two Test matches in a cricket mad country like India. Get the kit packed, get on the plane and fly out there. India is a huge country and I am sure that the Indian authorities can find two cities where you can play ten days of cricket safely. You are selected representatives of the sport in this country so show a bit of backbone. Eighteen year old soldiers go to Afghanistan to lay their lives on the line for a lot less than you guys get for expenses. If you need someone to go and hold your hand I am available as long as the ECB pays my bills !!!
- Dutchy Holland, glasgow
Tell the BCCI to lodge USD10m per player to be paid to their families in the event of any disasters, or returned to the BCCI upon the safe arrival home of the whole team.
- St, London
Lets find out who the real men are in the English cricket team! Even with presidential strength security, they have doubts.
What about the English fans (like myself) who are still planning to fly out and have to re-scheudle flights and trains to get to the ground. What security do we have?
See you in Mohali!
- Harvey Ellis, Dubai
All right Jack Williams of Hereford UK off you go!
- Gwaddilove, london,ENGLAND
I don't really blame them, many of the players are fathers and they are cricketers not soldiers so they are not expected to put themselves at risk that cannot be reversed i.e. being blown up.
- Simon, London
What a bunch of spineless babies. If these "stars" won't go, send out some grown men who will be happy to. They might even win.
- Jack Williams, Hereford UK
I've a suggestion. Terrorist attach can occur anywhere on Earth so England team should play on moon. Atleast Gravity will help them read the pitch.
- Raj, London
