Indian players in Lanka safe, security tightened

Security at the hotel, where the Indian and New Zealand cricketers are staying in Colombo, has been further tightened after a group of LTTE rebels attacked the Katunayake military airbase, adjoining the International airport in Colombo early today.

The Indian Cricket Board executive secretary, Sharad Diwadkar told PTI in Mumbai that he spoke this afternoon to the Indian team manager AN Mate, who informed him that players were safe and there was nothing to worry about as the Lankan government had further tightened the security arrangements.

"Mate told me that the fighting had erupted about 30 to 40 kms away from where the teams are staying and there was nothing to worry about," Diwadkar added.

"In fact, Mate told me the other two Test centres at Galle and Kandy, the venues for the first two Tests respectively, were much more safer and was confident that the Indians would complete the tour without any apprehension," Diwadkar said.

"The managers of India and New Zealand teams met the Sri Lankan Government representatives and were assured complete security," Diwadkar added.

The Indian and New Zealand teams are scheduled to meet in the on-going tri-angular series on july 26 while the Kiwis are playing their third day-night match against hosts Lanka tomorrow.

In Chennai, BCCI president AC Muthaiah said there was no need for any anxiety about the safety of the Indian players in Colombo, as he had discussed this aspect with the team, in the wake of the attack on a military airbase by the LTTE. He told PTI that he spoke to Mate and coach John Wright besides captain Sourav Ganguly about the developments there.

Muthaiah said the team had their usual four hour practice session this afternoon.