The Indian Premier League on Wednesday ruled out negotiations with the Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations (FICA) over security.
The Indian Premier League on Wednesday ruled out negotiations with the Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations (FICA) over security.
“We’re not going to talk to them, nor will we be cowed down by their strong-arm tactics,” Lalit Modi said.
“FICA is trying to intimidate us in the name of security to talk to us. We don’t deal with them, we will deal with the respective boards. The government has given assurance on security and we’re working with all agencies in this direction,” the IPL chairman said. “India is hosting the hockey World Cup and a series against South Africa. All are satisfied with the arrangements.”
On a day when divisions in the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) came to the fore, Modi singled out Ricky Ponting stating that the Australian skipper is forcing the players to skip the IPL. “I have been told Ricky Ponting is pressuring players not to come. Maybe it’s due to the fact he was dropped from KKR,” Modi said in his tweet. Ponting reportedly tried to prevail over the players at Tuesday’s ACA meeting in Sydney asking them to raise hands who are with him. Modi then went on warn the Australian players saying they risk being part of the league in future.
Ponting’s position was squarely opposed by Shane Warne, Matthew Hayden and Adam Gilchrist. “We had a good meeting where everyone expressed their views,” an ACA member who was present that meeting, told DNA.
Modi said the IPL will go ahead with or without the Australian players. “We have 98 players on the waiting list eager to get called in for replacement. So they have hope now if some drop out,” Modi said in a series of tweets.
“It has been the IPL’s position not to talk to us. Our security experts will work with the IPL. We hope the issue will be resolved soon,” FICA president Tim May said.
Meanwhile, Daniel Vettori denied reports of New Zealand players’ decision to skip IPL. “That’s not true at all. The people are speculating,” the New Zealand skipper told this paper.
Aus decision likely by Monday
The foreign affairs department of the Australian government is scheduled to brief the players on security situation on Friday. “The final decision will be based on that briefing,” said ACA member adding, “the players don’t want to take a knee-jerk reaction. They decision can be expected by Monday,” he said.
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