Kolkata: The recent terrorist attack in Manchester has prompted the BCCI to raise concerns about the security of the Indian team in England for the upcoming Champions Trophy.
Acting Secretary of the Indian cricket body Amitabh Choudhary in his interaction with the reporters said on Tuesday, “When I woke up, the first thing which I learnt was about these attacks. As soon as I was in the BCCI office we sent out a message raising our concerns about security of the Indian team’s travel, accommodation and the playing (arena). Thankfully ICC has responded to it within two hours. They have been sensitised about our concern.”
He however confirmed that the Indian team’s schedule, “remains unchanged so far” and went on to add, “Obviously these attacks are in nature of terrorist attack. This is something which can affect any individual on the planet. The security concerns are that much more intense.”
Further clarified Choudhary, “These concerns are so overwhelming that the team does not have to come and show its concern. We are all concerned” when asked as to whether any UK bound member of the Indian team has approached the BCCI on this issue.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) too expressed it’s sadness on this issue. “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the horrific attack in Manchester. The ICC and ECB place safety and security at the ICC Champions Trophy and the ICC Women’s World Cup this summer as the highest priority” it said.
The world body further added, “The security situation has been very much front and centre of our preparations and we constantly review our procedures to guarantee they are as effective as possible to keep everyone safe.”
C K Khanna, the acting President of the BCCI said that the Indian cricket body is in close contact with the ICC over this issue and also that former Delhi Police Commissioner and currently, an advisor of the Anti-Corruption Unit Neeraj Kumar, would leave for the UK on Tuesday.
India’s Champions Trophy campaign kicks off against arch-rivals Pakistan on the 4th of June against in Birmingham. The Virat Kohli led team would leave for England on Wednesday.
(With inputs from NDTV Sports)
1 comment
That is great