Date:16/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/16/stories/2008051656912100.htm

Sport - Cricket

Modi scotches rumours

New Delhi: IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi on Thursday rubbished reports that Rajasthan Royals’ skipper Shane Warne — along with teammates Shane Watson and Graeme Smith — was quitting the tournament due to the bomb blasts in Jaipur, saying the trio was already on its way to the Pink City for the next match there.

“All Australian players and the team are now going to play in Jaipur tomorrow. We are looking forward to it. Yes, they were little perturbed but now they are assured. They are on their way to the city,” Modi said.

Rajasthan Royals will take on Bangalore Royal Challengers in a home encounter this Saturday. According to media reports in Australia, Warne, Watson and South African skipper Smith were considering quitting the tournament after the Jaipur serial blasts that claimed more than 60 lives on Tuesday.

No compromise

Assuring that there will be no compromise on security, Modi said the players’ accommodation and the Sawai Mansingh Stadium would be completely cordoned off. — PTI