Players association chief Tim May says several cricketers 'agitated' over terrorism threat

Will the IPL miss out on foreign cricketers this season?

Players association chief Tim May says several cricketers 'agitated' over terrorism threat

Even as Andrew Symonds announced that he felt far safer in India than in South Africa, the international players association warned that some of its players will not participate with many others "extremely concerned" by the threat of al-Qaeda militants.

Symonds, sacked by Cricket Australia (CA) last year for breaching its strict behaviour agreement, said he was keen to help Deccan Chargers defend their IPL title.

"I haven't heard a great deal as yet but India is one of those countries I've never felt intimidated, even when the crowd gets a bit uppity," Symonds said.

The dashing all-rounder was the target of racial taunts while playing for Australia on the 2007 tour of India during which he was abused as "monkey" by larrikin spectators at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium.

"I've always felt I was more likely to be shot at or stabbed in South Africa. I've never felt like that in India. At this stage I'll be going."

CA authorities are concerned any disruption of the latest edition of IPL, scheduled to begin on March 12, will impact the one-day series between India and Australia this year, the Champions League and the ODI World Cup next year.

The Al-Qaeda related group has warned foreign sportsmen to stay away from the forthcoming hockey World Cup, the IPL and Commonwealth Games in India in October this year.

Tim May, head of International Cricketers Association warned yesterday that players were "agitated" by the threat.

Federation of International Cricketers' Associations chief Tim May

"There is an extremely high level of concern from a number of players from a number of countries about the IPL and security, May is quoted as saying in the Australian media.

"I think you'll find that some players are more risk averse than others and will probably stay at home.

"We had previously been advised by security experts that a high-profile event such as the IPL, leading up to the Commonwealth Games may represent a significant target for terrorism. It's obviously concerning, though not necessarily surprising, to hear about those specific threats."

A report in The Australian newspaper reminds its readers that "earlier in the week, May had condemned the arrogance of the IPL which, under instruction from the BCCI, will not deal with players' associations or directly provide them with security reports".

Australian players, like their counterparts in other parts of the world, are awaiting reports from their representatives on the security situation in India.

Meanwhile, Australian fast bowler Shaun Tait said over the weekend he was keen to play in this year's IPL.

According to an agency report, former Australian Test captain and India coach Greg Chappell hoped international players will not be scared off by Kashmiri terrorist threats.

"You have to be concerned about it, I don't think you can afford not to. But Indians in general are not confrontational people. I found them very open and friendly. It would be a shame if sport was cowered by these types of people."

West Indies captain Chris Gayle also said last week he was not troubled by the latest threats and was confident he would play for Kolkata Knight Riders."

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