ICC urges fans to support Ind-Eng series

Soon after the attacks, England, trailing 0-5, abandoned the last two One-dayers against India and left for home.

However, a series of assurances about full proof security from Indian officials later forced the English team management to rethink about touring India.

A 35-member strong English contingent, along with players from Performance squad, is presently stationed for a training camp in Abu Dhabi and would take a final call later on Sunday after consulting security consultant Reg Dickason.

“ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat will be in Chennai for the first Test and I will be in Mohali to show the ICC’s support for India and the two teams.

“I would urge as many supporters as possible to join us during the series, not only because they will see two excellent sides playing Test cricket, the pinnacle of our sport, but also because by doing so we will demonstrate that we will not be dictated to by terrorists,” Morgan said in a statement.

“I believe the Test series will be a clear demonstration of the resilience of the Indian people and the game of cricket and an illustration that the game has the ability to bring people together,” he added.

The ICC President said safety and security of all stake holders is of paramount importance to the world body.

“Safety and security of the players, officials and spectators must be the key consideration at all times. But if security assessments indicate that the measures put in place are appropriate then we – players, officials and all stakeholders – have a duty to ensure cricket takes place,” he said.

“I have been in regular contact with both the president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India Shashank Manohar and Giles Clarke, the England and Wales Cricket Board’s chairman, and it is clear they both want to play the matches if at all possible.

“The players have also demonstrated an acceptance of their role in trying to put a smile back on the face of a country that has undergone a horrendous experience,” Morgan added.