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Aussies threaten to boycott World Cup matches after crowd invasion

Australian players might boycott World Cup matches if a player is hurt in a crowd invasion, their chief representative Tim May warned on Monday.

Australian captain Steve Waugh is livid at security arrangements for the Cup and Australian cricketers' association chief Tim May said he could not rule out a boycott.

As the last Australian wicket fell, in Sunday's loss to Pakistan, hundreds of Pakistan fans overwhelmed a large security presence to storm the field.
"I don't think there's any doubt that we are getting closer to that stage where the players are going to say, that's it, we are not going to go on to this ground,'' May told Australian television.

He also said the failure of cricket authorities to act and provide proper security at the matches was totally and absolutely irresponsible.''
"It's more than disappointing,'' May said. "I think it's bordering on disgraceful and it's out of (the players') control so all the players can do is say 'okay, we're not going to participate'.''

May blamed the continuing unruly behavior on authorities defending the lack of security by saying fans traditionally ran onto the ground after exciting games.
"You're promoting ground invasions, why in your proper mind would you come out and say that?'' May said.

Australian authorities imposed hefty fines for fans caught trespassing on the playing arena. Earlier in the tournament an Indian player, Rahul Dravid, was attacked by an irate fan after his team lost to South Africa.
Indian captain Azharuddin, who called for increased security after the incident, said the Indian man, who seemed intoxicated, rushed onto the field.

Before the World Cup started, Australia's tour of the West Indies was twice clouded by crowd trouble. One match was declared a tie after fans stole the stumps, shoulder-charging Waugh and Shane Warne in the process.

Then fans in another match forced Australian players off the field by throwing objects. Waugh was nearly hit by a bottle thrown from the stands but brought his team back on the field to finish the game.