England satisfied with security for India tour

England are satisfied with security plans for their Test tour of India, Indian cricket officials said on Thursday at a meeting between representatives of both country's boards.

Jagmohan Dalmiya, president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), said no real security concerns were raised by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) officials, who are reviewing security for the tour scheduled to start in a fortnight.

John Carr, ECB director of cricketing operations, and player representative Tim O'Gorman were accompanied by Peter Holland, first secretary at the British High Commission in New Delhi, on their visit to Dalmiya in Calcutta.

Uncertainty still hung over the tour because several England players expressed security concerns as a result of the U.S.-led military strikes in Afghanistan.

But after a three-hour meeting, Dalmiya told reporters that "the discussions were more focused on the tour and not on whether the tour will take place or not.

"The visit in no way put a question on security arrangements planned by Indian authorities. But obviously what is happening in the subcontinent is a matter of concern to all," he said.

Two players -- leading paceman Andy Caddick and off-spinner Robert Croft -- named in the 16-strong squad have pulled out but the others reviewed the situation and have agreed to travel.

England, who are due to leave for India on November 14, are scheduled to play three Tests in December and a one-day series in the New Year after a Christmas break back home.

Dalmiya said the discussions were wide-ranging and the ECB representatives seemed quite satisfied.

He said the ECB officials did not ask the Indian board for any written assurance on security but declined to give details of specific issues raised at the meeting.

Dalmiya said the BCCI had confirmed that the tour, including the security aspect, had been cleared by the Indian government.

"India is a safe place, the whole world knows," he said.

The ECB officials will now meet federal sports ministry officials in New Delhi on Friday and may also call on home ministry officials, he said.

The ECB has said Carr and O'Gorman were in India only to confirm details of the security arrangements.

The Indian board has issued a November 5 deadline for the ECB to name a final England squad.

"We have requested them (ECB officials) to let us know the final squad by Monday," Dalmiya said.

Mail Cricket Editor