22 February,2010 08:28 AM IST | | Bipin Dani
The Indian Premier League (IPL) authorities may have reservations over sharing their security plans with the players' associations and FICA (Federations of International Cricketers' Associations) chief Tim May. However, the NZC (New Zealand Cricket) have shared the same with their players' association. This was confirmed by New Zealand Cricket Players Association (NZCPA) chief Heath Mills.
"We have had access to the IPL security plans through NZC which has been good," he confirmed. "It is good that we have finally got to review the plans."
"I don't know if they are at the right standard yet until we get our report from our independent security advisor," he added.
Elaborating more about the players' concern, he added, "all of our players have safety concerns about the upcoming IPL. We are currently waiting for our independent security advisor to provide us with a report which will include a current risk assessment and a review of the security management plan for the tournament.
We will hopefully get this report soon and will then be in a position to give good quality advice to our players. They will then need to make a decision about attending the event or otherwise," he said.
The New Zealanders are an important part of the IPL. Shane Bond will clearly be the star attraction after his stint with the Indian Cricket League.
Bond was bought for $750,000 plus by Kolkata Knight Riders after a tie-break at the auction last month.
It was reported in these columns on Sunday that May, a former Australia off-spinner said that security was a huge issue with players when it came to their participation in the third edition of the IPL. The Twenty20 extravaganza was shifted out of India last year because the Indian government couldn't guarantee security to the players. Hence, South Africa hosted the tournament which was won by Deccan Chargers.
