Date:15/08/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/08/15/stories/2006081512440100.htm

Front Page

South Africa may pull out

Colombo: The South African decision appeared to be veering towards pulling out of the tri-series due to security concerns. Team manager Goolam Rajah and coach Micky Arthur were locked in frantic consultations with the Board back home. They also held a meeting with senior police officers in the team hotel at about 10.30 p.m.

Despite assurances, the security officer travelling with the South African team is said to have conveyed to the authorities back home that the players' safety cannot be guaranteed. The South African board will have to ratify the team management's decision. It would also have to secure the ICC's permission. Sri Lankan Board secretary Adel Hashim, however, said the hosts were confident of persuading the South Africans to stay. The Indian camp is reportedly satisfied with the security arrangements.