It’s for Australian players to decide on IPL, says envoy
By IANSMonday, February 22, 2010
CHANDIGARH - The decision to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) scheduled March 12 rests solely with the Australian cricketers in the wake of security concerns raised by a security agency, Australian High Commissioner Peter Verghese said Monday.
“To play or not to play in the coming season of IPL will be the individual decision of Australian players and we cannot interfere in it. Yes, security of our players is our concern, and for that our government is in constant touch with Cricket Australia,” Verghese told reporters here.
“Seeing all the reports and considering the conditions, Australian players will themselves take the final decision,” he said.
According to Daily Telegraph, a report, commissioned by the players’ unions in England, Australia and South Africa and written by the England team’s security adviser Reg Dickason, has stated the players’ safety cannot be guaranteed and threats issued by Al Qaeda sources last week were credible.
The third edition of the IPL begins in Mumbai March 12. Most of the eight franchises begin training as early as next week.
