England's ODI series called off, decision on Tests later
Thursday, November 27, 2008
, Posted by Linda at 5:34 PM
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"The BCCI has accepted the request of the ECB to cut short the One-Day Series in light of the disturbing events in Mumbai. The last two ODIs have been called off as a result," N Srinivasan, Secretary of BCCI has said in press release.
Terrorists killed at least 101 people, wounded at least 287 and took Westerners hostage in attacks across Mumbai, where the tournament was to start next Wednesday. One of the luxury hotels in flames, the Taj Mahal, was where English side Middlesex planned to stay.
As per an ECB press release, Managing Director Hugh Morris said: "On behalf of the Board and the England team, we would like to express our condolences to the families and friends of those people who were killed or injured in last night's attacks.
The England team will not travel to Guwahati on Thursday afternoon as scheduled and will remain in Bhubaneswar overnight pending further discussions with the BCCI.
"The safety and security of the England team is of the utmost importance to ECB. We have reviewed all our security arrangements in the light of these attacks and will be taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety and security of the team.
"This morning I held initial discussions with the Hon Sec of BCCI, N Srinivasan, as well as representatives from the Indian team management at the team hotel in Bhubaneswar. I have also briefed the England players and management on the situation as well as liaising closely with the ECB Chairman and Chief Executive and the Players' Representatives.
"The events of last night were deeply distressing and the situation is still unfolding. We are urgently seeking information from expert sources regarding last night's attacks and will continue to hold further discussions with our colleagues from the BCCI over the next 24 hours."
Mumbai was also the scheduled venue for the second Test between England and India starting on December 19.
Indian champions the Rajasthan Royals, captained by Australia great Shane Warne and featuring Australia all-rounder Watson, play the Sialkot Stallions at Brabourne Stadium on December 5 and two other matches in Bangalore.
England have so far played five one-dayers and have lost all the matches to trail the seven-match series 0-5.
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