Will ensure robust security in UK: ICC

Dubai, May 23: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday said it will review the security for next month’s Champions Trophy and the Women’s World Cup in the United Kingdom following a terror attack in Manchester, which killed 22 people.

The Champions Trophy is scheduled to start on June 1 and Manchester is not a venue for the event, which will be played out in London, Birmingham and Cardiff.

“We operate on advice from our Tournament Security Directorate — in conjunction with the ECB and relevant authorities — to ensure that we have a robust safety and security plan for both tournaments,” cricket’s world governing body said in a statement.

“We will continue to work with authorities over the coming hours and days and review our security in line with the threat levels,” it added.

The ICC offered its condolences to the victims of the attack, which was carried out by a suicide bomber at a crowded arena hosting US pop star Ariana Grande’s concert.

The attack which injured 59 is the deadliest terror attack in the UK since the 7/7 bombings of 2005.

“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the horrific attack in Manchester. The ICC and ECB place safety and security at the ICC Champions Trophy and the ICC Women’s World Cup this summer as the highest priority,” the ICC stated.

“The security situation has been very much front and centre of our preparations and we constantly review our procedures to guarantee they are as effective as possible to keep everyone safe,” it added.

The Champions Trophy would be followed by the women’s World Cup, scheduled from June 24 to July 23.

“We do not disclose our security details as a matter of policy,” the ICC said. Delhi Police Commissioner Neeraj Kumar, was leaving for the UK tonight. “BCCI is in touch with ICC. Neeraj Kumarji is going to UK tonight. He’s in regular touch,” said Khanna without explaining in what capacity he was going to England.

Kumar, incidentally, was the head of security when the ICC World T20 Championship was hosted by India last year. Meanwhile, Chaudhry said that the BCCI office bearers and COA had discussed in Hyderabad with Indian team coach Anil Kumble on various aspects connected with the senior team. “Various types of questions came up and opinions were given. The coach too gave his opinion. There was a good discussion.

The (BCCI) office bearers and COA (members) were there. It will be placed in the right forum and when we take a decision we will tell you.”

He was responding to questions over news reports that the Indian players were not happy with the contractual amounts they have been given in comparison to the amounts given to top Australian and England players by their respective cricket boards. —PTI