Do not give in to terrorism, tour India: Former star players

Abu Dhabi, Mar 10 (PTI) Legendary cricketers like Steve
Waugh and Ian Botham today adjured the athletes worldwide to
not let terrorism affect sport anywhere in the world including
India, which is set to host extremely popular IPL and
Commonwealth Games later this year.
Waugh said the terror attack on Sri Lakan cricket team in
Pakistan last year has changed the safety perception of the
players but was of the view that players should not surrender
to terrorism by skipping sport events.
"Sportspersons are more concerned now a days. Earlier
they used to feel they are safe but in the last couple of
years that perception have changed because of the way the Sri
Lankan players were attacked in Pakistan.
"The entire landscape has changed but as sportspersons,
we shouldn't give in to the terrorism and must travel to play
the game," said the two-time World Cup winning captain.
Ian Botham, former England all-rounder, also echoed
similar views at a discussion on cricket as a part of the
Laureus Sport Awards at the Emirates Palace here.
"We got to take a stand. We have so many tournaments
lined up. In India we have IPL, Commonwealth Games. In South
Africa we have the Soccer World Cup then there is the world
cup Twenty20 in the West Indies and the 50-50 World Cup in the
sub-continent and Olympics in London in 2012.
"We just can't allow one phone call before the events to
disrupt the tournaments. We shouldn't surrender to terrorism.
My suggestions will be to go and enjoy the game," Botham said.
There are some apprehensions among players about
travelling to India but India's World Cup winning captain
Kapil exuded confidence that the Indian government will do
whatever it takes to ensure safety of the athletes.
"We can't really run away. One has to think positive and
I hope that the world would become a safe place. I am proud
that the IPL is in India and I am sure the Indian government
will make sure that everything goes on well. Mishaps can
happen anywhere so I think if world is safe than India is
safe," Kapil said.
Former South African skipper Shaun Pollock also supported
Kapil's view and was in favour of organising Indian Premier
league in India alone.
"The South African team went to India recently but it was
one team. In IPL, it is 10 teams traveling at 10 different
venues, so it is difficult but IPL has to be in India
otherwise the Indian fans will lose out. I'm sure the Indian
government will make the necessary arrangements," Pollock
said. PTI ATK AT