England cleared to ‘meet the people’
ENGLAND ON TOUR TO INDIA
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport/hi/english/in_depth/cricket/2001/england_on_tour/
Nasser Hussain England captain who was born in India and his England team will be encouraged to make the most of the chance to find out about Indian culture despite unprecedented security arrangements for their tour.
Although the players will be accompanied by two full-time security managers, the England and Wales Cricket Board is keen that they do not shut themselves away behind closed doors.
"Security on this trip has been paramount. Nothing is more important than the security of the players and everybody in the tour party, and that will not change.
“But we also want this tour to be a success on and off the pitch and, security permitting, the players will be encouraged to go out and meet the people and experience the country,” said ECB Director of Corporate Affairs John Read.
Australia were able to pay visits to places of interest during their tour earlier this year and England skipper Nasser Hussain is determined that his players will also be able to do some exploring.
Australia pay a visit to the Taj Mahal
"Since Nasser took over as captain he has been very keen on the players going out and experiencing whichever country they are in and India is a country which is rich in culture and an incredible experience.
"We realise the players are ambassadors for cricket in this country.
“They are the ones that the kids look up to and are the focal points for the sport, and it is important they go out and represent the country,” Read added.
Security concerns dominated much of the pre-tour build-up, and Andrew Caddick and Robert Croft declined to travel because their families were worried about their safety.
A senior ECB official will be present at each Test, in line with a request from the Professional Cricketers Association, with chief executive Tim Lamb due to attend the opening game at Mohali next month.
And tour manager Phil Neale and coach Duncan Fletcher are expected to be given extra powers to make immediate decisions about the future of the tour should safety fears increase at any stage.
The Indian government, meanwhile, has issued security guidelines to police forces in the various towns and cities in which England will be playing.
Bombay is the team’s first port of call and Deputy Commissioner of Police Ashok Kamte confirmed: “Additional policemen in uniform and plain clothes will be posted.”
[This message has been edited by durango (edited November 14, 2001).]