BCCI and CA, both Boards Put Their Views Over Hyderabad Test B/w India-Australia
Both Cricket Australia & BCCI are concerned with the recent bomb blasts in Hyderabad as 2nd test between India & Australia is going to be played in Hyderabad from 2nd March.
But Cricket Australia said there is "no reason to doubt" that the match would go ahead as planned. "We will make assessments in time but at this stage there is no reason to doubt that what we have planned in Hyderabad will go ahead," CA CEO James Sutherland, who is here for the opening Test which got underway on Friday, said. Hyderabad, which is scheduled to host the match from March 2, was on Thursday rocked by two bomb blasts which has claimed 19 lives. "Very concerned to hear that news but at the same time we are focussed. On the management side, we will wait for the next few days and make any necessary assessments. But the focus here right now in Chennai is on cricket," asserted Sutherland. Sutherland said it was too early to express fears as he is "comfortable" with the security being provided to the Australian cricketers. "We work closely with relevant authorities in taking advice from them. I think it's premature to be making assessments on that (whether Hyderabad can host the match) but from where I sit right now, my expectation would be that everything will go ahead in Hyderabad as planned," he stressed. "I am very comfortable (with security arrangements).He added. "We do our pre-tour visits and liaise with the relevant authorities. Everything has been mapped carefully and is going according to the plans," he said. 
Sutherland said none of the touring players have expressed any security fears after the blasts. "No player has indicated any concern at the moment. The players are very focussed right now on this Test match in Chennai and the management will do what they need to do; taking relevant advice, working with authorities here in Chennai and in other parts, including the Australian government," he said. Sutherland also refuted suggestions that the incident would distract Australian cricketers from the job at hand. "These guys are professional sportsmen and part of that is preparing yourself in being able to manage distractions. You need to perform at the best of your ability and you wouldn't get to this level unless you are able to do that," he explained. "I am very confident that the team is focussed on what they have got ahead this week in Chennai. At the same time, they are very confident to leave it on the management to focus with any other issues," he said. Australia are scheduled to play four Tests against India leading into the Ashes series during the English summer. Dozens of extra police reportedly surrounded the Chennai hotel where the Australian and Indian teams are staying. Captain Michael Clarke said his players were focused on the Chennai game. "From the team's point of view, our focus is wholly and solely on the field because we've got people off the field who are experts in what is going on. We'll be advised by them," he said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with all the people of Hyderabad who have been affected." "Australia's cricket tour of India has been plunged into uncertainty," said the Herald-Sun newspaper, while the Sydney Morning Herald carried a headline "Hyderabad Test in doubt as bombings rock city". Australia pulled out of a tour to Pakistan in 2008 over security concerns after a series of bombings in the troubled country. They also refused to play any matches in the 1996 World Cup in Sri Lanka after bombings there. Cricket Australia, which said the safety of players was paramount, earlier said the tourists had received "no information to suggest there is any threat to the team" but that talks were ongoing. "We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in India at this time because of the risk of terrorism, civil unrest, crime and vehicle accidents," the department said. "Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere at any time in India with little or no warning," it said. "Possible targets include public places in New Delhi, Mumbai and other major cities, and Indian security and political interests." However, the overall level of advice for Australians in India has not changed, with the department recommending people exercise a high degree of caution. No major international cricket has been played in Pakistan since a deadly attack on the Sri Lankan team bus by armed militants in Lahore in 2009. A statement was also made from BCCI that the second cricket Test between India and Australia would go ahead as scheduled in Hyderabad since the state government has given assurance of safety and security of the players. 
The visiting Australian players and officials had expressed concerns but BCCI on Friday assured them all safety measures would be in place. Senior BCCI official Rajeev Shukla said they saw no reason to shift the Hyderabad Test, scheduled to begin from March 2, from the city. "After BCCI President spoke to me, I spoke to Union Home Secretary, who was in Hyderabad and had discussion with the Chief Minister and officials of state government. After that he apprised me that adequate security will be provided to the players as well as the spectators. So Test match should not be shifted out of Hyderabad," Shukla told reporters outside the Parliament House. Shukla, who is also IPL Chairman, said BCCI President N Srinivasan will speak to Cricket Australia Chairman to assure him of the security of the players. "I have conveyed to BCCI President, who in turn is going to speak to Chairman of Cricket Australia to convey that when government is giving guarantee of safety and security of the players and the spectators, I think we should not change the venue," Shukla said. Read more...
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