Move IPL out of India again, if threats are real: Warne

By Rahul Bajaj
for Cricketain.com

Published: February 18, 2010

commentComment     Email This Post Email This Post     Printable version

Move IPL out of India again, if threats are real: Warne thumbnail

Sydney: Legendary Australian spinner and skipper of the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League, Shane Warne, has said that threats of terror attacks have made him “think twice” about travelling to India for this year’s IPL while suggesting that if the threats are proven to be real then the organisers should once again shift the tournament out of India.

Fresh security concerns have surfaced ahead of the field hockey World Cup later this month in New Delhi, the cash-rich Twenty20 cricket tournament in March-April and October’s Commonwealth Games. Earlier this week, the Hong Kong-based Asia Times Online news website said it had received a warning from Al-Qaeda-linked militant Ilyas Kashmiri about attacking sports events in India.

Warne, who is set to leave for India later this month to captain-coach the Rajasthan Royals, said that security is a deep concern for all athletes right now.

“The threats of the past 24 hours have certainly got me thinking twice and are of deep concern to athletes across a number of sports,” Warne told the Daily Telegraph. “If the threats are proven to be real, then organisers of the IPL may look at moving the tournament. We moved it last year at short notice and it can be done and there is no way organisers will risk the safety of players and officials.”

According to Warne, South Africa, who hosted the IPL last year due to safety concerns in India relating to the country’s general election, remains the most viable option if the tournament is to be moved out of the country. “I love the country and I’m committed to the Royals but obviously if I’m given the advice (that) it’s unsafe that will prompt a serious rethink,” Warne said.

At least one security concern was eased this week with Shiv Sena withdrawing the threat to prevent Australians from playing in the IPL because of attacks on Indians living Down Under. The right wing group said it had dropped its opposition as “Indian brothers living in Australia asked us to lift the ban as it would aggravate their problems”.

“We will provide full protection to every player, every coach, every official who participates in the forthcoming (field) hockey, cricket and Commonwealth Games,” Home Minister P. Chidambaram told reporters.

Tagged with: , , , , , ,


WPSN comments




Related News Headlines

Cricketain Latest