T20 World Cup organisers to re-assess security post-Lahore

Mona Parthasarthi

New Delhi, Mar 8 (PTI) The Lahore terror attack on the
Sri Lankan cricketers has set the alarm bells ringing for the
organisers of the Twenty20 World Cup in England as well and
they will take a fresh look at the security arrangements for
the event.

Twenty20 World Cup Organising Director Steve Elworthy
says the Lahore attack, that left six Lankan cricketers
injured, has caused a lot of concern for the event that is
scheduled this June.

"Definitely, the Lahore terror attack has forced us to
relook our plan. Just after the attack, we had a meeting and
we are meeting again next week where some top security experts
will also participate," Elworthy told 'PTI Bhasha' from
London.

Elworthy said a two-level security system to protect
match venues and players will be put in place. Participating
teams' outdoor activities may also be curtailed during the
event as part of the security plan.

"The Lahore attack has proved that terrorists can strike
anywhere anytime and this is worrying. We have to be on our
guard as London has been a terror target in the past. We might
have to keep a tab on the players' outdoor activities during
the tournament," he said.

Elworthy said the Twenty20 World Cup organisers were
awaiting top security expert Reg Dickason's return from West
Indies. Dickason is a security advisor for the England and
Wales Cricket Board.

"We will analyse the security arrangements all over
again when Dickason returns from the West Indies. We had a
round of meetings after the Mumbai terror attacks last year.
We have been monitoring the situation continuously for the
past 13-14 months. The ICC is also in touch with us," he said.

Asked whether any individual Cricket Board has expressed
any security fears about the event, Elworthy said, "Not as yet
but the issue may come up for discussion during the ICC
meeting in Dubai."

Elworthy said the security arrangements for the World Cup
in England would be different from the ones put in place
during the inaugural edition in South Africa last year.

"The situation here is different and we have to plan
accordingly. The terrorists have become more active between
then and now. But we are confident of staging the event
successfully," he said. PTI MJ
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