Oz cricketers told they are free to quit India tour over security fears
September 23rd, 2010 - 3:11 pm ICT by ANIChandigarh, Sept.23 (ANI): Australian cricketers have been told that any one of them is free leave the tour of India if they have security-related fears.
Cricket Australia spokesman Peter Young confirmed this, and added that there will be no repercussions in the selection room for any player wanting to return home early.
Security threats to the Commonwealth Games have left an uneasy feeling around the two-Test tour.
The Australians’ hotel at Chandigarh resembled a fort, with armed officers crowding the foyer, entrances and corridors.
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has advised tourists against travelling to India, and the players know they can receive leave passes without their chances of Ashes selection being compromised.
“If a player becomes that concerned, we would respect their wishes and their right not to continue travelling with the team,” Young said.
Australia’s team manager Steve Bernard confirmed the stance, adding: “Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.”
The Herald Sun said that about 50-armed officers have been outside the hotel, and at least as many inside, including at every elevator in the building. (ANI)
- Australian cricket team arrives in Chandigarh - Sep 20, 2010
- Australian cricketers get unprecedented 24X7 security - Sep 21, 2010
- Michael Clarke quits New Zealand tour for personal reasons - Mar 08, 2010
- George to join Oz squad for two-Test series against India - Sep 23, 2010
- Ponting promises competitive series against India - Sep 30, 2010
- Ponting flies back for birth of his child, Warner replaces him - Sep 03, 2011
- Ponting, Watson aiming to use India tour to prepare Oz 'Generation Next' cricketers - Sep 26, 2010
- Ex-Oz cricketer Jones calls for two coaches to ensure success - Nov 06, 2010
- WC 2011: ICC, Cricket Australia won't deviate from security plans - Mar 11, 2011
- Australia include teenage fast bowler for India tour - Sep 02, 2010
- At 35, Oz pacer Clark believes selectors have done him in - Oct 24, 2010
- Indian Premier League threat to Australia's tour of Bangladesh - Nov 12, 2010
- NSW pacer Hazlewood ruled out of Oz team's India tour - Sep 19, 2010
- Australian fast bowler Hazlewood out of India tour - Sep 18, 2010
- 'Medieval Knight' Ponting grunts his way to full fitness ahead of India tour - Sep 19, 2010
Tags: armed officers, australian cricketers, australians, commonwealth games, corridors, cricket australia, department of foreign affairs, department of foreign affairs and trade, elevator, foreign affairs and trade, herald sun, india tour, oz, repercussions, security fears, security threats, selection room, spokesman, tourists, travelling to india
