England deal almost sealed

Much to the Indian board’s relief, Dickason said: “We had some security concerns, but they have been addressed.” Later, in a statement, Srinivasan said: “Based on the discussions held and the clarifications given, the BCCI expects no problem with the first Test being held in Chennai.”

There might still be one hurdle, though. It is learnt that because of the dilemma the England players are facing, a second security check can be expected soon. The chief executive of the Professional Cricket Association, Sean Morris, is likely to come to Chennai to check if the safety precautions suggested by Dickason are in place. While the BBC reported that Morris will be Chennai on Thursday, Srinivasan said he didn’t have information about his visit. “I have no idea if any player representative will be here,” he said.

Earlier in the day, Chennai police commissioner K Radhakrishnan had assured Dickason of tight security for the England team who, if the tour goes ahead, will arrive here on December 8. “Central access control systems will be installed at the vantage points and the players’ viewing area, as also the team hotel. The players, upon their arrival here, will be advised to restrict their movement outside the hotel area,” he said.

“The police will also provide extra security at the stadium, and the players’ protection by the security staff will be watertight.”

Dickason now goes to Mohali, the venue of the second Test, to take stock of the security arrangements there, following which he will submit a detailed report to the English board.

‘We’re being sensible’

Even as ECB awaits the assessment report, its chairman Giles Clarke hinted that Kevin Pietersen and his men will be back in India for the Tests. “Under no circumstances will we allow our cricket to be dictated to by terrorists,” Clarke was quoted as saying by the Press Association. “India is an enormous country and there are large parts of it that have never seen terrorist activity. In 2005 the Aussies were sensible and we are doing the same here.”

The ECB boss also expressed satisfaction over the Indian board’s efforts at tightening the security. “A lot of progress has been made and some extremely good and constructive meetings have taken place,” Clarke said.

“The BCCI is doing all it can to facilitate the tour but we must do what we have to, properly and thoroughly. It is what every England player wants and deserves.” England has also demanded that a 20-man commando force be put on duty at every venue.

2011 World Cup as planned

Meanwhile, the International Cricket Council has rejected reports the sub-continent could lose the 2011 World Cup, to be jointly hosted by India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, due to safety fears following last week’s terror strikes in Mumbai.

“It is mere speculation, no basis for those comments,” an International Cricket Council spokesman said on Wednesday. “It is two-and-a half years before the tournament. It is not an issue at this point in time and we look forward to a fantastic event,” the spokesman was quoted as saying.

While acknowledging that the issue of security was paramount, he added, “The ICC also recognises the fact that cricket has the ability to build bridges.

“When India toured Pakistan in 2004 after (almost) 15 years, look at the positive impact it had.”