India tour: Individuals can opt out
Sunday, February 15 2004
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made available the option, of opting out of the forthcoming tour to Pakistan in March on secutiry reasons, to any player in the team.
Jagmohan Dalmiya, the president of the BCCI, announced that the board will NOT force any individual to go on the tour.
After the tour was given the nod by the Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, Indian captain Sourav Ganguly said that a few players' families have expressed worries about the trip. However, Dalmiya has refrained from confirming this in public, and has just given a fair option to any player who is unwilling.
Dalmiya said, "They are going to play cricket, not going to war. Those who are available will be picked but we can't force anyone." He added, "Since the government has cleared the tour, the major concern of safety and security has been put to rest. The board has no expertise on the security issue. We were dependent on the government's advice where security was concerned."
This will be India's first tour to Pakistan after 14 years. India is scheduled to play three Tests, followed by five one-day internationals.
Posted by Sudeep
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