Oz, NZ players warned about IPL terror threats

Melbourne:

Players associations in Australia and New Zealand have been warned of potential terror attacks during this year's Indian Premier League, according to media reports here.

An Australian Cricketers Association-appointed security consultant has assessed the situation and submitted his report in which concerns were raised about potential terror threats during the Twenty20 league, 'The Australian' claimed here on Friday.

"The report doesn't say 'don't go to India' but it certainly raises issues which are of concern. It identified specific terrorist groups which had the potential to target the event," ACA CEO Paul Marsh was quoted as saying.

"We know these threats exist. It's always going to be risky travelling to this part of the world but the security around it is what we need to understand," he said.

Meanwhile, New Zealand Cricket Players Association CEO Heath Mills flayed IPL governing for not sharing security plans with the apprehensive players.

"The IPL have to engage with us and show us what security plans they have to give us some confidence. The players would then be a lot more comfortable about attending the event," Mills said.

"At the moment, by excluding us, the IPL is prompting the question 'why are they excluding us'. Why are they keeping information from us?"

"By excluding us, it raises alarm bells. It's certainly not best practice," Mills said.