New Zealand’s IPL contingent advised to pull out
By ANITuesday, February 23, 2010
AUCKLAND - New Zealand cricketers’ involvement in the Indian Premier League is in serious doubt after their players’ association recommended a pull out from the tournament, which starts on March 12.
Players have been left to contemplate their participation in IPL after a report by independent security adviser Reg Dickason warned that security could not be guaranteed for the tournament.
The highly anticipated report commissioned by the New Zealand, Australian, English and South African players’ unions also cast doubt on the ability of local authorities to deliver security management plans.
According to reports, a dossier compiled by Dickason has been passed on to individual players who have IPL deals, with a reported advice against travel to India.
It is believed that Dickason’s report claims the threats made by Al-Qaeda militant Ilyas Kashmiri against the IPL is credible.
New Zealand Cricket Players’ Association manager Heath Mills said he had talked to Brendon McCullum, Shane Bond, Jacob Oram, Daniel Vettori and Ross Taylor about the report.
The New Zealand Herald quoted a statement is likely within the next 24 hours on the positions of the players’ associations.
With contracts ranging about 400,000 dollars and 750,000 dollars, the players stand to lose millions if they refuse to travel. (ANI)
