Oh Australia!
Australians are sending a team to assess the situation in Mumbai ahead of the October-November Champions trophy. They are going to hear independent views as well.
“We have a good procedure in place with Cricket Australia to assess overseas destinations,” Marsh said. “We will have a pre-tour visit with Cricket Australia officials to India and we will also rely on independent advice.
What did they do when London bombings took place? If you don’t recall, see this post by Will.
The Australians played a one dayer versus England the same day as the bombings took place. Also, they went on to play the rest of the tour normally.
The Australian government website puts India on exercise caution level even after the blasts in Mumbai. No big deal and same level as UK. So why is the Australian Cricket Board creating commotion over this? The goverment doesn’t put India in reconsider travel list either.
I can already tell them: We cannot guarantee your safety in this world full for terrorism as neither can the USA, UK or any other country. We will provide you the best security in the world and that is it. If you want to come, do so and we will welcome you. If you are still afraid, please don’t come. BCCI should not allow this security analysis in my opinion.
Thank god every one does not think like Cricket Australia.
Update: Cricket Australia (CA) has clarified their stance as this report from DNA informs us. They are indeed going to tour India for the Champions trophy. I was surprised by the initial reports which were being circulated in the media and Cricket Australia must be applauded for coming up with a statement so quickly.
The confusion may have happened in the media because CA conducts such checks as routine procedures as Rick informs.
Tags: Australian Cricket, Indian Cricket.
July 13th, 2006 at 6:55 pm
On closer inspection, I get the impression this story has been bumped a little out of context. The Financial Express article relies heavily on an article in today’s Adelaide Advertiser (a Murdoch tabloid). The Marsh quoted is Paul Marsh, the chief executive of the Australian Cricketers Association - the player’s union. And although I don’t know the full facts of the matter, the Advertiser article suggests that pre-tour security inspections are routine these days. I hope they are being conducted consistently if that’s the case.
For their part, Cricket Australia haven’t made an official statement yet.
July 13th, 2006 at 8:02 pm
True. Security trips happen all the time anyway. Some consistency would be useful though. Of course, Australia could take the time off [from winning the one tournament they haven’t laid their hands on] to prepare for the Ashes.
July 13th, 2006 at 9:57 pm
I agree with Rick….this is routine work for CA, assessing security before each tour. I believe it was done even before earlier tours to subcontinent (and maybe other venues).
One should complain only when CA decides to do anything out of the ordinary. Or even if they speak of doing anything beyond the routine. Which they haven’t.
July 13th, 2006 at 10:17 pm
Thank you Rick.
Worma: This looked like an out of ordinary ocassion from quite a few media reports. Glad it isn’t.
Jagadish: Don’t we love to remembering Australia not winning the Champions Trophy ever till date. :D
July 13th, 2006 at 10:30 pm
Pratyush: infact this is what we do as well…before travelling to subcontinental venues!
July 13th, 2006 at 10:43 pm
Yeah Manish. I have no qualms over the normal procedures in place.
July 14th, 2006 at 12:38 am
Then again, given India & Australia are in the same group … :)