/ 2 February 2010

IPL faces player withdrawals over security concerns

The third season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), due to take place in India in April, could be hit by a series of big-name South African withdrawals unless organisers are prepared to let the players have information relating to their own security.

The South African players have joined with other players around the world in a call for their players associations to be involved in assessing the security arrangements. IPL commissioner, Lalit Modi, has refused to allow the players’ global governing body, the Federation of International Cricketers Associations (FICA) to have any input into security arrangements for the tournament and will not share any details of the security arrangements with players or their representatives.

“Players around the world have become increasingly reliant on their Player Associations to check security arrangements so it’s only natural that they should want us and our global body involved — at least consulted,” said South African Cricketers Association (SACA) chief executive, Tony Irish.

After India, South Africa has more players involved in the tournament than any other, and the level of concern from players is such that a letter has been sent by all of the 17 players to the IPL expressing their need for “peace of mind” and for the right to be able to nominate “a representative of my choosing to review security arrangements”.

A recent security report commissioned by the Australian Cricketers Association (ACA) concluded that there was a genuine possibility that the high profile IPL and its players could be terrorist targets — particularly foreign players.

Australian and New Zealand players have all expressed their deep concerns about security arrangements for the tournament, which was staged in South Africa last year because security could not be guaranteed in India.

“The players have not been allowed to view the security measures or risk assessments which is unfortunate as such disclosure and review are standard practice,” said Heath Mills, chief executive of the NZPCA. “Players should have a fundamental right to assess measures designed to protect their safety.”

Asked whether he believed players would seriously consider withdrawing from the tournament given the enormous sums of money they stood to lose by not travelling, Irish said: “I have met many very wealthy people in cricket but I haven’t yet met anyone who could spend money if they weren’t around to enjoy it. Our players are sensible enough not to put money ahead of their own safety.” — Sapa