Date:01/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/01/stories/2008120157081700.htm

Sport - Cricket

‘Players won’t be forced to return’

LONDON: England’s cricketers returned home from India on Saturday in the wake of the shootings and explosions that killed more than 150 people in Mumbai, and said they will decide within 48 hours whether it is safe enough to return for the Test series.

Hugh Morris, the managing director of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) told a news conference he was hopeful that the two Tests will take place next month, but that the players will not be forced to return if they have security concerns. “We are committed to returning to India if it is safe and secure to do so,” Morris said.

“We have a team of people that we rely on for our safety and security information. It is pulling that information together over the next 24 to 48 hours and we’ll assess that information when we have it.”

Targeting foreigners

Because of reports that the gunmen were targeting foreigners, there are fears that the England cricket team could become a major target if it returns for the Test series. — AP