England cricket tour in doubt

THE remaining two matches in England’s one–day international series in India have been postponed following the terrorist attacks in Mumbai. And discussions are on-going about calling off the rest of the tour.

The England and Wales Cricket Board requested the matches in Guwahati and Delhi be called off and the Board of Control for Cricket in India gave its consent.

It remains to be seen whether the two–Test series is also abandoned with ECB and BCCI officials due to discuss the matter over the next 24 hours.

The tourists were due to fly from Cuttack to Guwahati today prior to Saturday’s sixth one–day international as part of the seven-week tour of India.

But last nights terrorist attacks in Mumbai, which have killed more than 100 people and injured hundreds of others, have prompted the tourists to delay their journey while they hold further talks with the BCCI.

England stayed at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, the scene of the terrorist incident, just two weeks ago and were due to return there on December 16 prior to the final Test three days later.

Hugh Morris, the ECB’s managing director of England cricket, said: “On behalf of the Board and the England team, we would like to express our condolences to the families and friends of those people who were killed or injured in last night’s attacks.

“The safety and security of the England team is of the utmost importance to ECB. We have reviewed all our security arrangements in the light of these attacks and will be taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety and security of the team.

"I have briefed the England players and management on the situation as well as liaising closely with the ECB chairman and chief executive and the players' representatives.

“The events of last night were deeply distressing and the situation is still unfolding.

“We are urgently seeking information from expert sources regarding last night’s attacks and will continue to hold further discussions with our colleagues from the BCCI over the next 24 hours.”

Cricket Australia have placed an "immediate hold on any cricket–related travel to India" following the terrorist attacks.

The decision puts Victoria and Western Australia's participation in the inaugural Twenty20 Champions League in India in doubt

English side Middlesex, scheduled to leave yesterday, have already delayed their travel plans.