ICC president urges Indian fans to support Test series

DUBAI: International cricket Council (ICC) president David Morgan has urged Indian fans to come out in large numbers to watch the Test series against England and hoped that cricket will bring normalcy to life after the Mumbai terror attacks.

"Good attendances will demonstrate we won't be dictated to by terrorists," Morgan said in a statement on Sunday.

"I believe the Test series will be a clear demonstration of the resilience of the Indian people and the game of cricket and an illustration that the game has the ability to bring people together."

Morgan said he and ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat would be present during the series to show solidarity and support for the people of India and the two teams.

He said that security of players will be of utmost importance.

"I have been in regular contact with both president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Shashank Manohar and Giles Clarke, the England and Wales Cricket Board's (ECB) chairman, and it is clear they both want to play the matches if at all possible," Morgan said.
 
"The players have also demonstrated an acceptance of their role in trying to put a smile back on the face of a country that has undergone a horrendous experience."

"Safety and security of the players, officials and spectators must be the key consideration at all times," he added.
 
"But if security assessments indicate that the measures put in place are appropriate then we - players, officials and all stakeholders - have a duty to ensure cricket takes place," Morgan said.