IPL Security on Papers, Cannot Be Guaranteed: Expert

A report on the threat to the IPL prepared by security expert Reg Dickason says that the security plans are sufficient on paper but the Indian state governments are still to commit to providing the required police numbers which is the primary concern for the Australian players taking part in the tournament, said media reports.

Despite Dickason’s independent conclusion that safety at the T20 tournament could not be guaranteed, Australian players, managers and the Australian Cricketers’ Association in Sydney resolved in a meeting to take their concerns to IPL commissioner Lalit Modi, reports said.

It may be mentioned that nine states – Maharashtra, Orissa, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, West Bengal, Punjab and Rajasthan, as well as the national capital region of Delhi – are scheduled to host 60 games in 12 cities over 45 days from March 12.

Dickason, however, didn’t comment on the specifics of his report last night, said reports.

“I’ve submitted the report and now it’s up to the players’ associations to decide what they want to do based on the available facts,” Dickason was quoted as saying.

“It’s up to the players to decide whether or not they go. From our end, there’s no agenda, no motives and no self-interest. Our brief was to provide a security assessment based on all the facts at hand,” he was quoted as saying.

Paul Marsh, ACA chief executive, who chaired yesterday’s meeting of players and managers, said that the worldwide union FICA would approach the IPL about the concerns raised in the Dickason report and await a response, said reports.

Modi last night defended the IPL security arrangements. “I spoke to a couple of the (Australian) boys yesterday about it. I think they will all take part. The tournament will go on,” he was quoted as saying.

(Based on internet reports)