16 February,2010 03:07 PM IST | | Agencies
The Australian hockey team's travel plans for the New Delhi World Cup remain unchanged in spite of Saturday's terror bombing in western Indian city Pune whereas Cricket Australia (CA) awaits the advice of its private security agency before clearing the players for the Indian Premier League (IPL) next month.
The Pune blast left nine people dead and 57 injured and was the first major terrorist incident in India since Mumbai attacks in November 2008.
The Kookaburras have decided to stick to their plan of reaching the Indian capital three weeks ahead of the Feb 28-March 13 World Cup.
Hockey Australia chief executive Mark Anderson said the team was comfortable with the security arrangements in New Delhi.
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"At this stage, Hockey Australia is comfortable with the security plans that are being put in place for the World Cup," Anderson was quoted as saying in the Sydney Morning Herald.
"We understand that Delhi Police are enacting the necessary plans to ensure the safety of all competing teams. The security of our team and staff is of the utmost importance to us.
"Hockey Australia continues to monitor the situation with key stakeholders. The feedback indicates that the plans are progressing well in preparation for the competing teams' arrival later this month."
But the Australian cricket's security adviser Reg Dickason is conducting an investigation into the attack and will make his recommendation to CA and the players' association by the end of the week. Commonwealth Games officials will also be closely watching the developments.
Because players appearing in the IPL will not be representing their countries, CA and the Australian Cricketers Association (ACA) can only issue a security advice, leaving the final decision to the players.
"Our independent security company is investigating what impact this attack may have on our players participating in the IPL so we're waiting for that advice," ACA boss Paul Marsh was quoted as saying by the Herald.
Security had been upgraded for the ongoing India and South Africa Test match in Kolkata.
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