November 13 Wednesday 2002
ICC seeks security assurances from Indian board

LONDON: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday confirmed that it was seeking urgent confirmation from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) concerning the adequacy of safety and security measures in place for the remaining four matches of the One-day International series between India and West Indies.

ICC Chief Executive Officer Malcolm Speed said that following three consecutive games marred by crowd unrest and disturbance, the ICC was seeking reassurances about the safety of both sets of players and officials for the remainder of the series.

"The ICC has been in contact with the BCCI after the disturbances in Jamshedpur and Nagpur and is now in the process of seeking a full explanation of today's unacceptable events in Rajkot.

"In addition, we have asked for details of the ground stewarding and security plans for the next four matches. We will also request that BCCI officials meet with ICC match referee Mike Procter, to discuss the matter and brief them fully of plans and contingency measures," said Mr Speed.

At present there is no authority to remove the international status of a venue, but Mr Speed confirmed that this is an option that will be considered by an imminent meeting of the ICC's Safety and Security Committee.

"We have asked this committee to consider appropriate penalties for venues which consistently fail to meet their obligations in meeting minimum standards of security. This is likely to include the ultimate sanction of withdrawing international status from a ground, combined with a heavy financial penalty," confirmed Mr Speed.

All ICC Member Boards subscribe to the principal that the safety and security of players and officials is paramount, and that it is their responsibility to ensure that appropriate measures are in place for all international matches and series.