Monday 15 December 2014

Indian players' security tightened after Sydney Hostage crisis

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                Security around the Indian side has been beefed up after suspected terrorist activity in Sydney.
Security around Indian cricketers has been beefed up in Brisbane owing to the hostage crisis in Sydney with Board of Control for India (BCCI) keeping a close watch on the events that are unfolding there.
"We are constantly in touch with Cricket Australia top bosses. We are monitoring the situation closely and security of our players is paramount. The players are in Brisbane and everything is normal there," BCCI Secretary, Sanjay Patel, told PTI.
"However, the security of the Indian team has been beefed up considerably. We have been informed by Cricket Australia that additional police forces have been deployed with the Indian team. We are happy with what CA has arranged," he added.
Earlier today, an armed man took an undisclosed number of people hostage at a popular cafe in Sydney and displayed an Islamic flag with Arabic script through the window, sparking a security alert in Australia. Authorities sealed off surrounding streets, evacuated people from buildings, and suspended rail services following the incident at the Lindt Chocolate Cafe in Martin Place, in the heart of the Sydney's business district.
Television footage showed people inside the cafe with their hands pressed against the window holding the black flag known as Shahadah, a prayer recited in mosques daily, and not a flag specific to the Islamic State.
India are currently playing a four-match Test series in Australia with the second Test due to start on Wednesday in Brisbane.
Asked if the incident could have an impact on the fourth Test of the series scheduled in Sydney from January 6, Patel said it was too early to comment on that.
"We haven't reached that stage as next Test is in Brisbane. It's too early to comment on the fate of the Sydney Test. We are confident CA will take appropriate measures to ensure safety and security. At this point I can't say anything about Sydney Test. For us the tour is still on," said Patel.

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