What now for India and England?
The first response to terrorism has always been that those who commit evil must not deflect us from pursuing our normal way of life.
Nobody can deny the horrors that have unfolded in Mumbai. It is a city I shall always call Bombay and the one where I grew up. For me to witness the events of the last few days on television in places I have known so well has been heartbreaking.
I could not see the pictures of the Taj Mahal Palace hotel without thinking of the Sea Lounge, where I spent so much of my teenage years gazing out to the Arabian Sea while consuming pineapple cake and sweet lime and soda - a great drink in a hot country.
The question is do these dastardly attacks justify calling off a cricket tour? And if the answer is yes, what does it say about our attitude to terrorism?
Or does it perhaps say something about our attitude to countries such as India?
Is it possible that those who are calling for the tour to be called off are really proposing different standards for different parts of the world?
The events in Mumbai have been compared to New York's 11 September 2001 and London 7 July 2005. When 7/7 happened, the Australians were touring England. And remember 7/7 was followed by 21/7, the second, but fortunately failed, terrorist attack on London.
The same day England were playing Australia in the first Ashes Test at Lord's in a series that has gone down in history.
The following day Jean Charles de Menezes was shot dead not far from the Oval.
Can you imagine the reaction if Australian cricketers had said they were going home because London was not safe?
Recall the disgust expressed by some, when after 9/11, America's golfers refused to fly to Europe for the Ryder Cup, causing the historic event to be rescheduled.
So are the horrors in Mumbai different?
The terrorists in Mumbai were hunting down British and American passport holders. Asking cricketers to return against that background, it can be argued, might be putting their lives at unacceptable risk.
But the fact is that ever since the Iraq invasion, westerners have been at risk in many countries. If that was the criteria by which we judged things then foreign travel of almost any kind would be impossible.
India has not been immune to terrorism and it is worth noting that in the midst of the Indian Premier League (IPL) series earlier this year bombs went off in Jaipur. Just a day later the Rajasthan Royals, captained by Shane Warne, played a match in the city.
I am well aware that Indian cricket bosses have their own particular cricketing agenda.
India, the established economic powerhouse of cricket, seem to have discovered a team that can convert the millions their cricketers earn into a winning formula on the field.
Indian cricketers, so often underachievers, may at last be realising the country's immense potential.
And in the IPL, India has discovered a winning domestic cricket formula - in no other country does domestic cricket thrive in this way.
What is more the proposed Champions League may prove to be cricket's equivalent of football's Uefa Champions League, which attracts millions of spectators and millions of dollars.
If at this potential moment of triumph Indian cricket becomes a no-go area for foreigners, much as Pakistan cricket has, it would not only damage Indian cricket but world cricket.
Suddenly the economic powerhouse of the game would not be able to play the game in its own backyard. The consequences of that for world cricket would be immense.
However, it is not merely on grounds of economics that Indians want the cricket to continue.
India is a vast country. Mumbai may be out of bounds for some time but even as the events were unfolding, England's cricketers were 850 miles away, very nearly the distance between London and Rome. It should be possible to move the Tests to places far from Mumbai.
Also Indians are great optimists and have a record of surviving all sorts of things.
As one of India's greatest writers R K Narayan told V S Naipaul: "Whatever happens India will survive."
I have been struck by this optimistic mood in the aftermath of the attacks.
I still have many of my school friends in the city and it was interesting to hear their reactions. Their response was similar to the spirit Londoners displayed during the Blitz. One of them was dining near Mumbai's railway station. They heard of the attack, waited in their restaurant and finally at 3am got home in a convoy.
I spoke to one of my oldest school friends less than 24 hours after the attacks. I got hold of him as he walking along Marine Drive. It is a walk I had often taken in his company when we were both at school. Now he was not far away from the Oberoi Hotel, another of the siege hotels. He described the scene to me and as I expressed anxiety he said: "We Indians are great optimists. We shall come out of this, do not worry, And I do hope the English cricketers do not abandon this tour. Apart from India's bowling what do they have to fear? We cope with it, why can't they?"
I hope for his sake and millions of Indians England do go back.
Of course, some English cricketers may not want to, and that is entirely their prerogative. In such cases, just as with England's tour to India in 2001, individual cricketers should be given an opt-out.
But if proper assurances over security can be given, I would like to see the team return.
India has its problems, immense problems. But it is not ungovernable. And it is possible to play cricket in this huge country away from the trouble.
I'm 
© MMIX~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~47~RS~)
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As an Indian , I am heartened to read about our positive spirit in the midst of doom. However , human lives are a far bigger issue than a game of cricket . England are more than right in choosing to return home
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Mihir is absolutely right and I could not agree more with the sentiments expressed here.
It is essential that a decision to return to India is taken as soon as possible and that the test series is undertaken.
Comments made by Kevin Pietersen do concern me and reflect, perhaps, the pressures that come from being a captain on the wrong end of a thrashing
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Good blog Mihir, and some well made points.
In the light of the terrorist events I guess whether or not some cricket gets played is maybe not the most important issue. That said, however, I was surprised at the cancellation of matches, and then even more surprised by the decision for the England team to return home.
For a cricket mad nation, I would have thought that having some games to distract them, albeit temporarily, would have been the way forward. I hope England return and play the tests.
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Very good poiints made, Mihir and appropriate, considering the sensitivities. Unlike our captain, who did not find it in his heart to express some words of kindness and solidarity to the people whose hospitality he had been enjoying and whose millions he was looking forward to earning next year. Only concerned re safety and running away.
Also, the schedule for the games was well known in advance and the terrorists would have plenty of British targets during the Mumbai test if they wanted to target them. Cannot believe how naive people are in saying 'what if the English team had been there'. The operation was planned well in advance; they knew security would be tight then and would be difficult to stage such an operation then.
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I don't hear any complaints from the Indian players about the ODI series being postponed. Nor about the prospects of the Test series being delayed. They are worried about the safety of their own families. In a week's time the whole thing make look completely different. As it is, England have postponed two, dead ODIs and will be home for a full 5 days before returning.
Playing cricket right now is an irrelevant frivolity. It would just give the terrorists, whoever they are, the chance of aiming for some nice, high-profile targets (and I am not talking about the England players). Playing a Test match is no fun for either side when you are excorted to the ground by a heavily-armed military convoy, in a stadium full of soldiers and are warned not to leave your hotel.
In a few days or weeks the situation will have calmed, we hope, and cricket will be able to resume its accostumed role as the red-balled equivalent of ping-pong diplomacy, giving a shocked population something to take their minds off the events in Mumbai. Right now is not the moment.
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Good article, but the telegraph reports:
England cricketers were due to be staying in Mumbai hotel at time of massacre
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/india/3532016/England-cricketers-were-due-to-be-staying-in-Mumbai-hotel-at-time-of-massacre.html
If this is true, then you can understand why some of the england are nervous as their team mates may have been caught up in this disgraceful, bloody and tragic attack in Mumbai.
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Did the 2004 Madrid train bombings affect you and your daily life at the time? It is easy to forget just how big and how diverse India is, comparing England with India has no meaning, with Europe and it makes it a bit more understandable. It would be possible to hold the tests, and a show of solidarity but?.
The circumstances for this event are very different to 2005. And much closer to the tourists themselves. In no way should players [considering the closeness of the events ? ie the very hotel where they would have stayed ? a different time scale and it very well could have been them!] be expected to make choices about going back to play in India in the coming weeks. I think if would not be fair ? unless the original squad unanimously vote to go back.
This could be one for neutral territory scheduling.
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At the end of the day India will also survive if England cancel the tour, and I think that decision should purely and absolutely be based on security concerns. .
Bottomline: What India need right now is the moral support, a friend in England and the ECB- irrespective of the fate of the tour.
I found some of the blogger discussions on BBC dispecable- both from England and Indian supporters.
India shares a lot of common interests and threats with England- it's time to show solidarity and respect. It's time for people to rise above petty bickering and behave with respect and humility.
Good one Mihir.
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Brilliant article, very well articulated and written. one key question though! will you support Indian team visiting Pakistan under similar circumstances faced by India... cheers.
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Yes, SixSixEight, the Madrid train bombings did affect me. No in my daily life because I live outside the city, but many colleagues were directly affected and some knew victims personally. I used the same train station three days before and used it again some time after the attacks when the presence of large numbers of heavily armed police was reassuring in one way, but very alarming in others.
Each person reacts in a different way to such outrages and to the inevitable security that follows them. Some people are determined not to change their habits, others cannot help it. The latter are not necessarily cowards, but weigh-up the dangers in a different way to the former.
I would wait to condemn the England team for a (hypothetical) cancellation of the series until some of the Indian players say that they want to play cricket. Right now I notice that Pakistan's announcement that their series in January is very unlikely to go ahead has received no comment. Why comdemn England for a supposed reaction?
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7. "captain.....only concerned with safety and running away"
4. "captain on the wrong end of a thrashing"
KP has been made captain of the England cricket team. Some would say this was by default, as he is the only player sure of his place. World class player too, most agree.
But all that is irrelevant in this discussion.
Let's face it, the decision wasn't his, but let's say that it was and he was asked to make a decision about the safety and maybe even lives of his players.
Come on, let's put this into some sort of perspective.
What would you two do if you were there, in his position, not sat in front of a pc having a dig at such an easy target?
Not sure what I'd do, must confess.
Probably concern myself with safety and running away!
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As I've said in other threads on the BBC, there is no comparison between the 2005 London attacks and this event. Lodnon was a series of bombs planted to attack random targets. Mumbai sees an armed seige in which hostages are taken and the targets are very clear. American and British passport bearers were targets. The choice of city, a financial hotbed and a city that embraces Western capitalism greatly, is a clear target. The fact that they have ended up in a Jewish centre is surely not coincidental (comradeship with the PLO perhaps? Who knows). What has happened in Mumbai is more reminiscent of representatives of Nazi Germany hunting for Jews. It is disgusting and the events in Mumbai totally eclipse 9/11 for me in terms of sheer inhuman horror. Mihir, if you are asking me if the horrors in Mumbai are different, then I say 'Yes' with resounding conviction. Bombs secreted in alcoves and under doorways don't have the same visceral horror as a young Indian dressed in Western combat trousers and T-shirt armed with a machine gun hunting for Yanks and Brits.
I don't recall the horror when America golfers refused to fly to the UK. 9/11 happened two weeks before the Ryder Cup was meant to start. None of the US players would have been in a proper state of focus for the event. I recall a lot of understanding and very little moaning for any quarter about the decision.
Mihir, in England when the Queen dies, we will have a news blackout and national mourning. One woman. When over 100 people are killed by militants, and when we still have hostages being held with no idea of their state or whether there are further fatalities, frankly the game of cricket can go and penetrate itself repeatedly.
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I think one should think as neutral person, KP's concern are legitimate and very true, on the other side I totally accept India is powerhouse of cricket and economically and also for cricket, cancelling things will not have good effects,
Regarding 7/7 london bombings Australians thought they are safe so they did not cancel the tour because in uk or in developed countries security alerts make it impossible to have consecutive terror attacks while its not possible in subcontinent, but on the other hand I can assure you that when any cricket team touring india or pakistan security is so great that its more than prime minister security and its unlikely to get any terror attacks on touring team, rather if you compare it in european countries these attacks will be much easier,
most of these terrorist they dont care for their life so a high level of security can catch them but they are already staking their lives
I do want to mention one thing, emotionally I am attached to cricket whole of my life and when pakistan was deprived of cricket then none of indian people said that its wrong and we should make some effort to revive cricket in pakistan inspite of same security provision which BCCI is promising, so unless any of the teams cancel tour of developed countries , you wont know the pain you go through, when it happens in your own country then you keep on playing normally and think its possible,
but I cant negate the concerns of english team because other country is like stranger country and if you dont feel safe then you cant play your natural game
hope all of it will settle soon and we would be able to see cricket on full bloom again in subcontinent
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mickey_love - please read my comments in their entirety. Maybe the clip was edited, but I refer to the interview given by KP. Of course it his job to speak on behalf of the team and take decisions. Of course it his right to decide on traveling back to safety in the UK. All I meant to say was that some kind words of solidarity towards people who had gone thru hell would have been welcome in that interview, thats all.
Re cricket going on, and comments re Mr Modi, on 606 - a lot has been made re the Bombay stock exchange functioning and people getting on with their daily lives despite the terror. Cricket is these guys daily business; whats wrong in showing 2 fingers to the human leeches wreaking havoc and continuing with their business, i.e cricket? How does it make them and cricketers playing cricket, if security permits, insensitive?
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I have to disagree with this blog.
Firstly, you seem to be suggesting that if this was another country, England might have stayed. I believe that is completely untrue. A bombing in London is completely different to a number of armed men running around trying to kill UK and US citizens. The bombers weren't concerned with killing Australians. Even if the Australians had gone home, I wouldn't have blamed them.
As for your friend suggesting 'We cope with it, why can't they?' Is he seriously suggesting that because some people can't leave the country, those with the option to should stick it out as well? Maybe the people currently stuck in Thailand shouldn't fly home when they get the chance, as the residents of Thailand haven't got that option?!
I do agree that the test in Mumbai should be moved, far away, and then the tests continue, with players allowed to opt-out if they choose. That is if nothing more happens in the next week or so.
Unfortunately, I get the feeling that the Pakistan mentality of them being forced out of World cricket purely because the western countries don't like them has passed over to India too.
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No one can deny how well organised the attacks were and should have taken a long time to plan - reports indicate perhaps 6 months or more. I repeat, if Brits, esp cricketers were to be targeted, all they had to do was wait a fortnight and they would have the team - and more importantly the soft targets their supporters - on a platter.
Of course it is easy for me to sit in front of my PC and pass comments - unlike others on this forum who are writing from one of the rooms at the Taj, I presume! It is a point of view, guys, relax. I have no problem with our boys deciding on coming home; a few kind words and solidarity towards the Indians in these difficult times would not be amiss was the only point.
Also, please note that Indian cricketers are the only ones to tour Pakistan consistently over recent years when everyone else is cancelling due to security concerns following blasts, etc. They can appreciate ground realities and geography as opposed to us who live in a small island and the London bombings may seem down the road to us even if we live up North.
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roygates70
yes, all reasonable points taken and no offence meant, but why the inflammatory conclusion; "Only concerned re safety and running away."
"Our captain", the most poisoned of chalices in such an over-analysed sport.
I know he's privileged, in both talent and remuneration, but I do think it is so unfair to even ask his opinion about such events, let alone judge him on it.
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i agree with the comments, but i'm not sure the comparisons between this 7/7 bombings in london are justified.
Here, the places bombed are linked with the england team, kabir ali should have been dining in the vaery hotel that night but for last minute change of plans, and the england team were close to staying there around the time, this vicinity of bombings in a country as massive as india means there may be some linkage to england, and if there's any possible threat the tour should be abandoned
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RoyGates, did you actually read the quote from one of the Indian players: "The England players have gone home. We are going to our homes"? It didn't sound much like bitterness. It sounded more like profound relief. Not a word of sympathy about the attacks! (of course, the fact that only a brief soundbite of what was undoubtedly a long interview was broadcast may have had something to do with it)
Show some sympathy with the Indian players and fans too. They have greater worries than playing a dead rubber just to please a few Brit-bashers.
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This person called purpleIndan is making defaming remarks about Indian population, the spirit that precisely makes Mumbaikars the way they are and that allows them to continue their work, their lives without being put down. I would have felt the same had I not understood the city so well by now, but this person himself/herself does not understand the sensitivity of the situation which has unconfirmed number of hostages and civilians trapped inside, the number of actual terrorists that still pose a threat to everyone and if there is any risk of them igniting the RDX or any such device. It is not a big deal to storm the building and blow the building apart as a last resort, but I need to stress that we like the media might not be aware of what difficulties the brave commandos are facing. Blaming the Indian politicians is no good at such a time as sitting here that is propably the easiest thing to do. I am appalled that this person blames his/her genes and am ashamed to call such a person my fellow countryman, although I live here.
If they applause the commandos, I am glad of the patriotism exhibited by the middle class people, who yes, unlike us or the person who wrote on you wall does not possess a sense of 'Maturity'...but then I question this person's attitude as judgemental, opinionated and possibly immature to be not thoughtful enough to understand the things I have highlighted above. I also wonder what he /she would have said and done had they been in the 7/7 bombings or had been a relative of the person who was innocently killed by scotland yard for being mistaken as a terrorist. The bottomline is I can criticize the yard's action, but know that logistically they were doing their job. I live in the UK and love it for what I have gained from being here for last 10 years, but am proud to be an Indian by birth. My birth country still has a long way to go, but we will get there. As an ex-Mumbaikar, I salute the spirit of Mumbai that will march ahead and has stood the test of time..
I am sorry, but I am ashamed that this purple Indian has chosen this sensitive hour to condemn the sporting/cricketing history of India. And yes, it is human nature to bask in their old glory if that is the best they have...so there is nothing wrong in the rhetoric...is there? Like this purple Indian, I am sure a lot of Indian parents might have got their childern to focuss on their studies not because they despise sports, but because as a young developing nation, the need is strong for people to get an education for a better quality of life and improve social standing. I am not an economist, but I understand this. I am glad that we at least have people having faith in playing the game!
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Mickey_love - thanks. Perhaps my comments re KP were insensitive as well - I was meaning to draw a comparison between the empathy in Mihir's blog and KP's statement which focussed only on returning to the UK coz of (valid) safety concerns. Maybe I'm being unfair and his comments may have been edited.
I disagree somewhat with your other comment, though. I have never met the man, so cannot comment on KP as a person. But, am sure in this day and age he would have access to some sort of media management, etc?? Irrespective of his personal talents, he is the captain of a team visiting a country going thru a tragedy and either he or somebody within the team set up should have made a statement - maybe they haven't been prompted and only questioned on future plans, but they should have taken the opportunity to say some kind words towards the hosts.
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Cricketing_stargazer - I hope you would have read my previous comments. I accept that editing is important, but sound bites are relevant as well and in my view our team should have made a statement; maybe they will before leaving, but so far the focus has been on (valid) safety concerns only.
Indians have had my empathy (and sympathy) for a long time - when they have been at the receiving end of terrorist bombings and killings for a number of years and suffered casualties second only to Iraq over recent years.
I have never been sucked in to the Bush rhetoric on the 'war on terror' being directed against the West. Admittedly events of the past few days are extraordinary, but I presume you know there have been bombings in Delhi, Ahmedabad, Malegaon in the weeks and months preceding the cricket?
Indians have had a lot to deal with even before Wednesday and have been turning up and supporting the cricket. They did so in the IPL after terrible blasts in Rajasthan as well. Just because the western media is only now acknowledging problems faced by that country doesn't mean that I should patronise their sentiments. It is up to them what they do, we can only express a few sensitive words of kindness, which is not asking for much.
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"The level of security, technology and organization is far higher in the developed world, and the players would naturally feel more secure in a developed country"
This stupid comment really made me cringe at the false sense of security the western world still has. Has it been that long since 9/11 or the London tube bombings (multiple, across 2 weeks if I remember correctly!!)
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I think Mhir is absolutly right about the series continuing.
although the fears of the england team are perfectly reasonable i think continuing with the series would have sent out a very defiant message to whoever is behing these horrific attacks that we are not going to be scared or let ur cowardly methods to disrupt our threiving country.
Plus i am sure that the england team would have been given high priority security during their stay.
P.s. the only think the england cricket team should have been worried about is getting demolished 7-0 and then 2-0 in the tests
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Mihir Bose has an uncanny knack of getting it wrong every time. When he should be commiserating with the families of those who lost their lives he is prattling on about England showing solidarity with India by playing a few cricket matches. Tests and ODIs can be rescheduled. Unfortunately the dead cannot be brought back to life. And there is plenty we in the UK can do to show solidarity with our Indian friends and I'm sure our government is doing just that. Mihir Bose, you should hang your head in shame...
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I have already complained to the moderators about what I consider a racial slur on Kevin Pietersen. Whatever their reaction may be I feel that KP is being made a scapegoat by some people whatever he does or doesn't do.
Furthermore, snide remarks about dead rubbers are beside the point since the Indians themselves are saying they will be glad to return home.
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Mihir is absolutely right.
The Australians didn't go home in 2005 when 7/7 happpened.
The MCC is trying every trick in the book to get one up on the Indians it's a disgrace. As they are the new power in cricket.
With my father being in the british military and growing up in Holland and Germany in the 80's and early 90's I grew up with terrorism. The best way to deal with it is to caryy on as normal.
The great thing about 7/7 was that people carried on with life as normal, which is exactly how terrorism should be delt with, which is exactly what should be happening in India at the moment. It's one rule for western countries and one rule for the deveolping industrial powers like India and China.
As a Britain, I would have hoped for better from my fellow countrymen. I feel ashamed reading the backward views coming out on this blog about the "security of the players"
Matthew
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They will go back, not from some sense of duty, but because if they choose not to go back in 10 days time, then they are surely ruling out going back for the IPL.
Cash is king, they will be assured of safety, and the prospect of IPL £000's will see them playing that 1st test match
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I agree with Mihir's comments, but we should remeber the Australians seriously considered cancelling the 2005 Ashes: see
http://www.smh.com.au/news/Sport/Another-bombing-may-end-tour-Gillespie/2005/08/03/1122748666398.html
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Mihir... it seems to me that your background sets you apart from others... you have first hand knowledge of the city albeit a privileged one. However, your romanticised view of the place of your upbringing surely cannot blind you to the reality of the situation... British and American tourists were targeted! Easy targets too.
Therefore the question is not whether a sporting tour should go ahead, or even whether the nutters who perpetrated the massacre are 'winning' by stopping sport.
The question is... Can India, or any other country, guarantee the relative safety of people who visit their land?
Sometimes sports personnel are expected to comply with whatever schedule or competition that is imposed on them... They are afterall well paid. 'The show must go on' attitude is merely for us. The purpose afterall is...our entertainment. We must maintain our civility... and protect our invested dollar!
In truth, our civilised world is the blanket that hides these murdering 'filth'. Maybe we should peal back a few layers to really expose these lunatics. Then flush them and have done with it. Anything less... just isn't cricket!
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Leave Australia out of this. This is an Indian matter. What we do or don't decide to do is ours and no one elses business. I feel sorry for India but leave us out of your discussion
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Mr. Bose's article was a little infuriating.
Nobody knows who committed the attacks in Mumbai. We also don't know where the terrorists came from or whether there are more of them. We do know they wanted to kill British passport holders.
Mr. Bose implies that England would be acting unfairly if it cancelled the upcoming matches. He seems confident that if the matches took place some distance from Mumbai the English team would be safe. I don't know how he can reach that conclusion. Cricket stadia are large and wide open and obtaining automatic weapons doesn't seem to be a problem In India.
I have travelled all over the country and even stayed at the Oberoi in Mumbai. Anyone who has been through airport security in India knows that the staff are not paid well...
Cricket is popular in India, and Bose obviously wants the games to go ahead. But asking someone to put their life on the line to play cricket in the current climate is asking too much.
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Comment on Glacier_thief comments:
"The level of security, technology and organization is far higher in the developed world..." is true for the Joe Bloe's of the world, the mere mortals.
However, when it comes to professional cricketers in India, they are NOT treated as Joe Bloe. As the photograph in the blog suggested, the security is definitely superior to what a "developed" country offers (I live in one).
"...technology and organization..." were NOT the issues in English players' reluctance to continue playing in India.
Therefore, what Mihir Bose wrote is exactly right. I too was thinking that when 7/7 happened, the English players must have thought about leaving England!!!
Oh, another point regarding "The level of security, technology and organization is far higher in the developed world...".
As Mihir mentioned, "..Jean Charles de Menezes was shot dead not far from the Oval" after 7/7!!!
This happened with "The level of security, technology and organization" "in the developed world..."!!!
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What a pathetic bunch the English cricket team have turned out to be. Turn tail and run home at the first sign of trouble. I hope these losers don't ever show up again although I am sure Pietersen and his cohorts will not decline the millions they might be offered to play in the IPL.
I think the South Asian nations should form a 4 nation league and cricket will survive and prosper. I always thought it was a shame what happened to Pakistan and to think that the same might happen to India brings me to despair. Strengthen the IPL and have a 4 team ICC with a few tests.
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Not sure if Mr Bose's comparisons are fair - if the bombers in London 7/7 had said they were specifically targeting Australians, I somehow think Ponting and co may have had different views to what they took when it was just indiscriminate bombing.
However, I can't defend England's stance. As an Englishman they sicken me.
Firstly, England players & the ECB are wrong to talk of going back for the 2 Tests. We know there's not a cat in hell's chance that will happen. They should just be honest and say now that they're not going. Its hard enough getting English cricketers to go to the sub-continent anyway, and a week or so before Xmas there's no chance they will fancy it.
Secondly, and more depressingly, somehow I think their security concerns will lessen when the IPL comes calling in years to come...
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Glacier_thief
In developed country, one can feel more secure?
Thats funny...
Remember 9/11, 7/11 happened in so called highly developed countries.
Intelligence agencies in those countries have failed to predict all terror events. Can you show their success rates?
No police force can react and contain quickly such mad terror event...
so, shut up!
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A few cowards, armed with rifles and grenades, exploited the openness and hospitality of a great democratic country like India and gleefully/mercilessly gunned down innocent men and women. It is quite understandable for British citizens to be concerned for their safety in India when they are being specifically targeted by irrational, evil-minded terrorists. Further, cricketers are celebrities with high profiles. This attack on Mumbai points out how terrorism is a global problem that requires a truly global coalition of the civilized world to root it out. Otherwise, global cultural and sports exchanges will continue to be affected.
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Indian politicians seem to have their balls deposited in Swiss banks. Time to step back and strip terrorists of any human rights.
English cricketers have the right to decide for themselves. In fact it is high time Indians are deprived of cricket so that they demand security from their government.
India is a democracy people are responsible for what goes on in the country. If they can not force their own government for action against terrorism then they can not reasonably ask foreigners to tour their nation.
There is a flip side to optimism, complacency. People seem to forget this and move on and that will deter them from action. This is the worst kind of philosophy India has produced.
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Following up on my previous post:
For those who compare the situation to 7/11 or 9/11, remember there is a difference between happening once in a blue moon and happening every fortnight.
Despite all the failures of Bush he should be commended for setting up dept of Homeland security.
India repealed POTA and has not set up the federal investigation agency despite so many people killed each month.
I am an Indian citizen. Time to get tough on terror. No time for games while we have other responsibilities.
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The timing of the blog is premature. Things are in too much of a flux. For the moment suspension of all cricketing activity makes sense. The security investment in a nonchalant continuation would have been foolishly disproprtionate.
Petersen is right in saying the England players will not be forced to come to India for the tests. It should have gone without saying. Yes, they have an option, always will.
It is inane to talk about the lure of the money IPL will have on offer. No one is going to risk his life grabbing that lucre if the ambience is not right. First thing that inspires a cricketer is the quality of cricket and how much he is going to enjoy playing it. That, most of the time, is the rule.
I picked up a line from one of the bloggers and it bears repetition, 'Can India, or any other country, guarantee the relative safety of people who visit their land?' At the moment no.
Continuing with the remaining two ODIs would have been like Nero playing his thing while Rome was burning. Death is only a news so long it does not touch you personally. Just go back to Sri Lanka not being able to continue with their cricket tour of New Zealand when the island was hit by a tsunami. Can you think of Tendulkar, Rohit Sharma or any other Mumbai based cricketer concentrating on his game at Guwahati with his close ones exposed to grave danger back home.
So let us keep perspective. Its not about England running away from a possible whitewash. Its not even about Petersen being glad about a welcome end to the flagellation Englishmen were receiving from the rampaging Indians. Its about being able to concentrate on the game, being able to enjoy oneself and give everything. At the moment it just wasn't possible. So let us not attribute pusillanimity to the motive.
Whether England is able to return for the Tests in a few days time will depend on the measure of international confidence we can generate in securing a suitable and relatively safe ambience, and how fast.
Another blogger aptly put the question if we should be prepared to tour Pakistan in this kind of chaos. We certainly wont. So lets wait for answers to such posers and not jump in with some very jingoistic predilections.
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Nice blog Mihir ????..
I am a Sri Lankan and we have had to face these situations many a times in the past. NZ in 1987 and again in 1992 (however this time a smart bunch of Kiwi?s didn?t heed to terror and let the chickens go home whilst they replaced the chickens with men to carry on and complete the tour), AUS & WI during the 96 WC and SA in 2006.
We Asians too should abandon where conflicts erupt during a tour and not put money in front as the English have done. The fact that the English were slaughtered without mercy and losing 5-0 and could have been on the verge of an unprecedented 7-0 mauling is immaterial!
BUT, India too should learn from this and help Sri Lanka to end the conflict in Sri Lanka whilst they should have done so many decades ago but decided to sit, wait and watch. Now absolute terror has reached Indian mainland, have a though what we Sri Lankans have gone through for the past 30 years though I am truly sorry for the huge loss of life.
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Can any country guarantee the safety to any life in these terrible days??
Tell me a place that is safe ..........
To the rest of you ????. Terror has no nationality, religion, colour or creed so don?t talk about pointing Islamist terrorist at the blink of an eyelid. TERRORIST SHOULD NOT BE TOLERATED IN ANY CORNER OF THE WORLD AND ALL GOVERNMENT SHOULD DO WHAT EVER IT TAKES TO ERADICATE AND WIPE IT OFF THE FACE OF THE PLANET AND MINIMISE THE COLLATERAL DAMAGE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.
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i am in Indian who stays abroad. Mihir, thanks for putting my feelings about Mumbai in words. i share your feelings completely.
lets be fair, you can not blame KP or the cricketers if they do not want to go back.
the question is what do cricketers represent? are they like businessmen traveling to Mumbai? lot of businessmen would cancel or postpone their visit to India even at cost of loosing deals and business. no problem with that.
but anyone who is an ambassador of UK will not be leaving India nor can postpone trips/ activities. if security personnel from Uk are asked to go to India, they will not refuse.
it is very easy to say the best answer to such acts is to resume normal life. but thats not so easy to do.
if cricketers don't return, i will not blame them. they would be doing what any normal person would do. if, however, they do go back to India to show solidarity and resolve, i will salute them. they would have done something beyond ordinary. it will add a different dimension to image of cricketers as ambassadors of the country.
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I am an Indian and I agree with England team at this point going back. One of the things that crossed my mind is the safety of secondary England team which is practicing for Tests. Generally cricket teams traveling to India stay at Taj/Oberoi and Mumbai is the place preferred for practice. Luckily English team is in Bangalore.
I do say that the English team should travel after sometime though. These remorseless evil people should not be allowed to terrorize. What better way of showing freedom than playing in front of thirty thousand people. Sport heals hearts and the world needs it.
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As a Brit who has lived in India as a child I have very fond memories of Madras and the people I met there. It would be a really poor show if the England Cricket Team pulled out. India is a great country and just as we in the UK have problems with Muslim extreemists so do you, infact the problems of partition are partly to blame.
I would urge the England team and all British citizens to continue to support India at this time, just as India did when we were attacked.
thenk you Mihir for putting things back into perspective.
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Just a little point on timelines here. The threat to westerners from Islamic terror did not start after the Iraq war as Mihir implies. 9/11, the bombings of the east african embassies and many more terror attacks preceeded the Iraq war. Some people have even gone as far as to suggest that 9/11 was the muslim response to the invaion of afghanistan and/or Iraq. The roots of the terror we are seeing now were sown many, many years ago in the philosphy of individuals such as Sayid Quttab and the Muslim Brotherhood.
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Your comments about the recent history of cricket tour pull-outs are true, Mihir, but you're a romantic and a long way from the real world.
The facts are that the world views India and England differently. India is a huge geography with relatively poorly protected borders in comparison with England.
Touring nations have more faith in England to be able to deliver a safe environment for cricket than India (or Pakistan and Sri Lanka for that matter). That fact is not going to change in a hurry.
I'm afraid you need to get real, Mihir.
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These are dark times for the world. I would not blame KP for any of the comments he has made. Being in a foreign land, it is an understandable reaction. At the end of the day cricket is an entertainment for us and as MSD said it himself "We are entertainers but we should not be entertaining at a time like this". The Nation is mourning and as always we will bounce back. Cricket can take a backseat for some time.
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However continuous refusal to visit countries will simply mean a victory for these terrorists. The world needs to unite against them in the same way that terrorists across multiple nations have united against different nations.
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Mihir thank you for your succinct abstract - whilst I had agreed with the return, I now feel absolutely incensed that it should have taken place....
As always, different rules for different people..
We Indians will survive: greater forces have tried to wipe us out and failed, a few bombs ain't gonna succeed...
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This is purely a psychological issue. Countries have been avoiding touring Pakistan due to the same reason. This, keeping in view the fact that a sporting event has never been targeted in Pakistan, and it is rarely that foreigners are a target in terrorist attacks. There are thousands of other foreigners in Pakistan AND india. cricket teams wont be targeted on the basis of them being foreigners.
The main purpose of such terrorist attacks is to create problems in normal day-to-day life. Cricket playing countries should carry on with these tours JUST to show that the attacks are NOT going to disrupt the normal day-to-day life. There are always adequate security measures in both countries which have never failed as concerns visiting teams.
England should continue with the tour to India, and India should continue their tour to Pakistan. This should show the solidarity that sportsman spirit brings.
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thats the true human heart. we can not compromise our selves with this cruel massacre of people. we should stand as a whole world people and never surrender ourselves to terrorist activity.
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Unfortunately there are a few that wish to destabalise that what has taken years to rebuild between India & Pakistan. We must stand in the face of injustice regardless of where you are...... Police uniform, Army, Civilian or in a Cricket field we must stand and try to go on !
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Firstly, let me start by offering my condolences to the families and friends of those killed and injured.
It would be remiss not to acknowledge the heroic efforts and sacrifice of the brave men and women of the Indian security and defence forces. Equally, we should acknowledge the tireless efforts of doctors, nurses and paramedics who have attended the injured and dying.
The events of recent days will surely join others of infamy as the world once again witnesses the horrid deeds of the brain washed followers of a feudalistic superstition (one can hardly call murder a religion). What twisted hatred drives these murders and those who indoctrinate them is difficult to imagine?
Given, the unpredictable nature of these attacks and the murderers who perpetrate them one can hardly say that one part India is any safer than another. Distance is no guarantee of safety whilst these warped believers can freely travel.
Therefore, one should ask the fundamental question, "Who is taking the risk if international cricket is played in India". The answer is obvious first and fore most the - players and officials then the paying public who attend.
The ones who take the risk are those who should make the decision on whether to go or not. They have a duty to their families and themselves. They have absolutely no obligation to put their lives at risk for their employer or any other body with a vested interest. No matter how noble some may see the cause.
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I watch the second part of the Six O'Clock News Hour regularly on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursday. There is supposed to be (tedious) showbiz news, business news and "Sportsday" starting at 6.45pm.
"Sportsday" is usually delayed while the business news is elongated. Occasionally, the sports news is cancelled altogether; prior to the start of the ODI series, we weren't allowed to see any tennis from Shanghai so the presenter could listen to George Bush!
Why should the England cricket team run any perceivable risk by playing the Tests when (a) they are not guaranteed coverage in the Six O'Clock News Hour and (b) the coverage of Strictly Come Dancing and the X Factor is treated as sacrosanct?
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I agree Mihir. People need to show the same attitude as the citizens of London showed after 7/7. Many of them were back on buses the next day. THat shows the bravery, courage, and attitude of determination to prove the nation wrong that they weren't scared of terrorism.
And this is what England's cricketers, India's cricketers and the whole nation need to show. Don't show fear, as this is what terrorists thrive on.
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Isn't this supposed to be a sports blog? So why all the politics and incipient racism? Oh, doesn't one long for the days when the sound of leather on willow conjured up so many positive images. And Johnny Foreigner knew his place!
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It's really nice to know that England Team is going backand also Champion League has been cancelled.
Well I am One of them who is against involving Game into the Politics but almost every country did it.
Just few days back Indian team was not ready to play in pakistan just becuz it had the same excuse of England and Austrlia that Pakistan is un-safe; Now what abt India?
Is it Un-safe or the Lust of heavy money involved will make Countries play in India thus keeping double standard and blind?
Coming to the Point that if any country can't play in pakistan then it shouldn't be playing in India, England or any where else; Instead just sit home and watch game going on.
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Great blog Mihir! Whilst I agree that British and American citizens may have been targetted in this unspeakable act, it must be noted that most of the 195 people confirmed dead at this point are Indian. Most of the casualties were again Indian citizens. Hence, during this harrowing experience it is important to remember that this is not simply an attack on Westerners. Whilst information at this point in time is scarce, we can only speculate on what the intentions of the terrorists were.
Understandably the England cricketers want to return home to their families. Moreover, the cancellation of the last two ODI's only serves to save England's blushes from what possibly could have been a 7-0 whitewash. I see no reason as to why the England cricket team should not return for the test matches in December. The players have ample security in India, and I find it highly unlikely that their lives will be in grave danger whilst they are touring.
To the blogger who made the inane comment regarding the superiority of the British and American (or 'developed world' as he so naively put it) security, I salute you for your ignorance. As has been accentuated by many of the bloggers, no country is currently capable of harnessing the acts of these imbecilic terrorists. Furthermore, I am unsure as to whether Britain or USA would have handled the current catastrophe so well given the circumstances.
Finally, let us not forget that this is the latest in a whole host of attacks that have occurred on Indian soil. The only difference here is that Western media is providing more coverage due to the apparent threat posed on Western tourists in India
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How can england run out of india.Uk govt is also involved in aiding pakistan with US.No prove yet pakistan involve or not.But i wonder how UK react if france attack on UK and US have interest in Italy so US aid France to conquer italy.How a british react to find that US aiding a country which potentially killing UK people.I am sorry to say very civilized western feel humans live only in west,if some one die in east no matter.To a human life of andrew flintoff cost same as life of sachin.but for western people they cry only for andrew flintoff they dont care who is sachin!!!Be human first then be a british or american.And for god sake stop aiding militants for your own selfish reason people in my country dying because of your these acts.
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It goes with out saying that every one condemns these attacks, but the point you are trying to make is something that PCB--Pakistan Cricket Board..the people of Pakistan and every one who loves cricket has been trying to make for the last 2 years now.
No body was/is listening, even India joined hands with England and Autralia and said that they are not coming to Pakistan for test series schedules next month??
I think if we discriminate on the basis that west is safe no matter what happens and east is dangerous even with a single bullet fired,,,,we are not going to go anywhere....
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The security is as good in LEDC's than MEDC's- the people saying this must be living on cloud cuckoo land. England are more than right to go home. Like any British national would really stay in a country in which terrorists are targeting British and American people. Some people need to get a grip on reality. Safety is a million times more important than a couple of dead ODIs and a two test series. I think all the keyboard warriors on here need to look at the wider picture.
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At a time like this cricket should be the last thing on the agenda. I know due to terriost attacks in Pakistan the international games has been lost but India is the place where any cricketer feels at home and has a god like status. At a time like this we shouldn't worry about cricket.
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Terrorism is the scum of the earth, but we must look at the routes of terrorism which in this case seem to be percieved or actual persecution of muslims in kashimr similar to chinise oppression of tibet.
I dont think england should play in india. The difference between the london bombings and mumbai bombings are huge. london was bombs, mumbai was machine gun fire. The britsh inteligence are much better equipped and trained than their indian counterparts.
Furthermore of course we should continue to life our lifes as normal but bombings are becoming quite common in india this year as the election get closer it will only continue. India is a large country so youd think why not play the game else where but bombs are going off all around india from mumbai to banglore to jaipur
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I cannot believe what you have written in this blog, Mr Bose. At the same time I cannot believe some of you bloggers defending his article.
All I can say, where was this defamation of English/Australian, etc teams when they refused to tour Pakistan, where the attacks were of equal nature if not less?
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I have never been to India but as an Indian India is in my heart,My roots are there..
Grand Father lived there and,my Mothers family still lives there...
India is in my blood.
It is really sad to see what is happening in India thesedays,now India has become the main target.
These terrorist attacks should not stop us,after few days i think Cricket should carry on.
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I can't believe that the cricketers felt they were in any particular jeopardy. They are surrounded by rings of security usually reserved for presidents and prime ministers. This attitude of the ECB to yank its players at the first sign of trouble is more a symptom of the Western colonial mentality where they always expect a mob turning on them when they are away in a third world country.
Imagine the support Pietersen and the English team would have gotten if they said they won't give in to terrorists and would stay and play a postponed set of games. They would have been considered heroes by the vast majority of Indians for sticking by them in their hour of need.
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" "The level of security, technology and organization is far higher in the developed world, and the players would naturally feel more secure in a developed country"
This stupid comment really made me cringe at the false sense of security the western world still has. Has it been that long since 9/11 or the London tube bombings (multiple, across 2 weeks if I remember correctly!!) "
I see nothing wrong with this comment, it is just common sense, have you ever been to India? Many Indians would admit that organisation, technology and security are not their strengths. I have spent a considerable amount time in both England (I have lived here all my life) and in many less developed countries including India. The reality is India has experienced many horrific bombings over the last year and a high profile team would be a very large target. With experience I can say that the Western World 99% of the time is considerably safer than any of the less developed countries I have stayed/worked in.
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I'm afraid the England team are over paid, over pampered, under performing prima donnas.
I've just sat here in Mumbai for 3 days, admittedly scared, but not running away with my tail between my legs either.
And I'm staying to finish the job I contracted to do when I signed up for it, and in Mumbai, not half way accross India with my own personal bodyguard either.
And to think I went to Brabourne (twice) to watch those clowns.
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Though the article sounds true.. the writer has clearly excluded the same cases surrounding the Pakistani cricket. What is also true is that when a country has 8 bombblasts (and presuming more will not happen) in one calender year, players are bound to feel insecure and that is not a conducive environment for playing cricket.
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Good article mr Mihir.I have no words to express my sadness over what happened in Mumbai.Great game of ckictek lost yet again!
Just a few days ago Sachin Tendulkar and Dhoni expressed their concers about going to Pakistan based on security reasons and today terror is haunting India.Why to blame English team when they are showing the same concerns shown by Tendulker and Dhoni about pakistan.you are advocating cricket as a game,I just wish,as a neutral sports corespondent, you did the same for cricket in Pakistan if you were really so concerned for the game only.
Why you and other bloggers are trying to make it different from what went on in Pakistan?No cricketer was at risk in Pakistan before and that would be the case in the future too.They love cricket as much as any other nation on the face of earth.Why to make it look so different now???
Terror has no boundries and religion.It haunts us all.You are blaming the English for being careful,for doing the same what other teams including India have done in responce to situation in Paksiatn leaving CRICKET aside.
Just admit you are safegurding the 'huge money' aspects of the game and its implications on Indian economy,threatening the world of cricket in very polished words- but pretending to defend the game of cricket.
Cricket will never be the same,it is corrupted with the curse of money now and India is exploiting it in a great way and the sad bit is that the teams and players are being exploited happily.afterall it all about money!
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in response to justahuman75
you are forgetting its india we are talking about here, the media will defend india because money talks
the same cannot be said of pakistan, because we dont deserve cricket because we dont have any money because we lack the infrastructure because mainly we are paying for the war on terror
dont blame mihir bose, reality has struck a little too late for him now and for all the bloggers out there defending him and india's secuirty
while i have every reason to sympthise with the indians at the moment, i cannot sympthise with the writer because
a) the timing of the article is wrong, he should have waited on the decision of the test series
b) like him and other bloggers, i never saw anything like this when teams refused to tour pakistan and when india just as recently refused to send their junior hockey team to pakistan, how patheic is that?
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Without being inconsiderate to the terrible attacks in india, the common muslim verse is. To taketh a live is to kill all humanity, to saveth a life is to save all humanity. On the sporting fromt i would say that reading comments and what reporters have said is that i feel its not fair to have double standards in cricket referring to Pakistan being a no go for many just becoause of terrorism. I will dare I say it will india and other countries use that as an excuse for not playing in Pakistan. If so then apply the rules for all and not make it as in world politics double standards against mainly muslim countries.
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This is another proof of the failure of Indian intelligence agencies, another one in the countless incidents of bombs and terrorist activities happening in India in last many months.
Why should England be critisized for not visiting India, if India don't intend to visit Pakistan under similar circumstances?
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Everyone is correct; there are multiple perspectives on a situation as serious as what has just occurred. Let me offer those commentators who are so offended by the 'slur' on the English captain my two cents worth. England has prided itself on its ability to face up to unpleasant situations and presevere The Blita, 07/07 etc). Yet when other countries try to do the same and I will mention Pakistan and India; instead of standing next to them as a matter of principle they seem to be putting distance between them and their teams. To my Indian (Pakistani) patriots whilst I sympathize with your plight a portion of the blame needs to lie at our own doorsteps; for we do not hold our lives in as high a regard as our erstwhile colonial masters do theirs and until we learn to respect ourselves we can not expect to be respected by others.
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yeaahhh...!!!
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It should be noted that nowadays, since perhaps the Munich Olympic games bombings, sportsmen do take family feelings into consideration when security risks are unusually high.
Also, an English cricket team could be targeted by extremist fanatics in *any* part of India by those who would see it as a quick way to make worldwide headline news. We see how organised and determined such groups are.
Away from say Bombay and Delhi, the English players are likely to be highly visible targets , staying in hotels. Whereas Britain is far more multicultural. When the Indian players are in England they do not stand out by colour alone, as there are many British Asian residential communities in many parts of the UK. They would be unlikely to attract the attention of a casual passerby who is ignorant of cricket.
And it can't be forgotton that there is much communal strife in severak parts of India (inc many Christians rioted upon and slaughtered just recently).
An English team needs only one or two violence bent extremists to cause carnage and give their cause an instant high profile.
It is good for the cricketers, good for the game and good for India to take a long view and asses the situation well before the match dates are settled upon.
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Its the choice entirely of the players concerning whether they return to play the test series.
However I and I'm sure many others will be extremely disgusted if players who refuse to return then decide they are willing to offer their services to the IPL.
Other than the Ashes, a series against India is now the gold standard for Endland players. It would be incredibly humiliating for the ECB if players decide otherwise.
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I can understand the dilema for the cricketing bodies but quite frankly, in the midst of the attacks it's hardly surprising their withdrawl. What I do find annoying is your total tunnel vision of the world as if it is only Anglosaxon and ex Brit colonies. What about the Madrid bombings? What about the passport holders of many other non English speaking countries that were also the target in Bombay. I suppose you are talking about cricket but the countries that don't play it do exist (and there are a lot more of them than those that do)
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I fully agree with England teams decision to go back home, its not a good time to play cricket in India. I can fully understand their stand. But what really depressed me was not one of these cricketer (who are earning fat money from IPL) has decency to show their sympathy to Indian people. I read Shane Warne?s comment, instead of sympathizing with Indians; he said, ?I don't think we will be going (to India) now - why would you??
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You are so right but no one in the ECB or media has once mentioned the hundreds if not thousands of England travelling supporters who have booked flights and hotels and are still uncertain what to do. In many cases travel insurance will not pay out if England do not return to India. I find it surprising that the England supporter is happy to travel without any of the security infrastructure which the players enjoy but the players and ECB still suggest they wont force anyone to play for England. I know it was a dreadful incident but sometimes one has to move on. I am in the Army and also represent my country and if we all downed tools because of personal concerns we wouldnt get very far.
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"I am in the Army and also represent my country and if we all downed tools because of personal concerns we wouldnt get very far."
Good point. In which sport do you represent your country?
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As a true blue Mumbaikar currently living in London, I can't help but stare at all these images of senseless carnage in total disbelief. I totally sympathize with all those feeling unsafe in the city at the moment, which include most Mumbai citizens (and not just foreigners). At the same time, a few thoughts:
1. The brutal majority of casualties were Indian citizens. The body count shows that foreigners were not specifically targetted, and the terrorists were basically looking to kill anything that moved.
2. I can fully understand the jittery feeling in the England camp right now. But, perhaps at the risk of sounding a bit frivolous, let's imagine an alternate scenario. Suppose the series wasn't at 5-0 and headed for a 7-0 whitewash. Suppose at the time of the attack, the series was tied at 2-2 with a game washed out and 2 games to go against a Indian team imploding on itself the way Arsenal are at the moment.
Of course everyone in the England camp would be very, very nervous, and they would have every right to be. But at the same time, knowing a bit about human psychology, I'm pretty sure the really competitive types in the team, the KPs, the Freddie Flintoffs, people who literally carry the team on their shoulders, would be having these fleeting thoughts along the lines of "Oh terrible, absolutely terrible! But you know what......there is a series to be won here, and we haven't won here in a long time. The Indian team is in total disarray. Maybe...."
May the brickbats against this comment commence!
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Dear Bose
It is indeed nice to read you that as an ardent follower of the game, you feel that sports should be used to show resilience against such fanatics. Indeed, It would have been more appropriate in the way that Indian would have agreed to tour Pakistan. Now as you can feel the sorrow so we the followers of cricket in Pakistan also felt the same on refusal of Indian team. In the wake of this incident, I would request your sane voice to rise above the occassion and glavanize the idea for tour of Pakistan so that the message is set straight across the board. Hope to see you penning down some notion from showing that media nad sports is above and beyond the prejudices and cliches
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Cricket or English team - Right now we in India want none of those.
We are in the middle of a huge tragedy and we need to sort that out. Cricket can wait and I hope we all understand this. I understand those who are preaching normal life should go on. But tell me, how can you live a normal life when your brethren and sister are killed in such a cowardly act. Only those can think of Cricket right now who haven't lost their kith or kin in such tragedies. But I feel I have lost my own there in Mumbai.
Temporarily though - we need to stop Cricket or anything that could affect our goal to stabilize life of fellow countrymen. A safe and stable nation first and then Cricket and stuff. We are too obsessed with Cricket already and we need to scale that down for time being.
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Here's an opportunity to rid the India-Pakistan region of terrorist elements once for all so that people first and then cultural and sporting events (which are near and dear to many people) are not victimized. If the Indian Government has conclusive evidence that rogue elements operating within Pakistan were the culprits behind the unprovoked attacks on Mumbai (an act of war), it should share the evidence with the official Pakistan Government and all the affected countries (U.S. and Britain in particular). Then a coalition led by India and including the affected countries should get approval from the UN Security Council to target and root out all the terrorists in Pakistan. This means that India and the U.S. along with Britain should be able to launch operations and wipe out any and every terrorist operation within Pakistan. The Pakistan Government which claims that it has little control over terrorist elements that are waging wars in India and Afghanistan would hopefully abide by the UN decision.
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Re comment 16 by Andy plowright:
"a young Indian dressed in Western combat trousers and T-shirt armed with a machine gun hunting for Yanks and Brits"
Or, if our very own British press is to be believed, shouldn't that be?...:
"a young BRITISH PAKISTANI dressed in Western combat trousers and T-shirt armed with a machine gun hunting for Yanks, Brits AND INDIANS" (the latter being the majority in terms of casualty figures)
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in the current situation of terror and hundred od deaths of indian brothers and sister in mumbai attacks, what is the point of cricket? the series can be rescheduled or any other alternative could be suggested for england team in future.
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Are you kidding me? I can't believe you are worried about cricket right now. I would want to take out these terrorists and their network wherever they are and make sure that they will pay a price for trying something like this! That should be India's priority, not cricket. There will be plenty of time to play cricket later. May be peace-loving Indians like you care more about cricket than protecting your own lives and your democratic system which allows all kinds of freedoms. But if you are not alive, you can't enjoy your cricket. Please get a reality check!
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I have to say, that I think if these terrorists wanted to harm English cricketers,they would have already had ample opportunity to do so. We already know that targeting any kind of famous personalities is counter productive,and ends up doing whatever kind of mapcap cause these people claim to represent more harm than good.
I hope we aren't going to turn into American golfers,who think that the rest of the world is unsafe for them.
Let's hope for the sake of world cricket that England do go back to India,because the only way to defeat terrorists is to stand up to them,look them straight in the eye and stop them.
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My fellow Cricket Lovers of all countries'
I am a cricket fan but many mails here are trying to say who is targetted- westerners, etc etc. It is indeed sad times for cricketing world. The Mumbai carnage is not a small incident and the issue is far too much above and beyond the safety of England cricketers. The magnitude of problem is being underscored here by many when more concrete proof is coming out of who was involved ( wouldn't go into it as a peace lover and war is depressing and most unwanted thing today). But the facts emerging from the region are now that both India and Pakistan have started amassing troops along their border with India cancelling the 5 years ceasefire agreement with Pakistan, and Pkaistan now moving 100,000 troops along the border. The issue is out of anyone's hand. It is impossible to hope that any cricket will be played atleast for some time on Indian Subcontinent. The Terrorists have gained upper hand over cricket. LOSS OF CRICKET IS GAIN FOR TERRORISM. FEEL SORRY FOR ALL CRICKETERS OF THE WORLD WHO WILL LOSE POSSIBLE REVENUES.
My heart cries for the human tragedy and loss of human life be it Indians,Westerners; Jews . above all they were all innocent humans.
AND YES; PLEASE DON'T BLAME ANY ENGLISH CRICKETERS..LIFE IS MORE PRECIOUS THAN ANY GAME.
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Firstly, I would just like to send my condolences to all the families and friends of all the people who were killed and wounded in this unspeakable tragedy.
Secondly, with regard to whether the cricketers should agree to return to India on the tour, I believe each player should be able to make their own decisions. Their own mental state and family situation should be taken into account and they should make the decision that they are comfortable with.
I suggest however, to ensure there is no hypocrisy in the decision, that anyone who decides not to tour now should not be eligible to take part in the lucrative IPL and ICL leagues.
My personal opinion is that, as unfortunate as this situation is, it is a reasonably isolated event and that any British sports team touring anywhere in the world is probably in equal risk. Their fears needs to be put into perspective, we live a world full of risks every day.
We travel by car on roads that often have fatal accidents. We take reasonable precautions to drive safely, but in the end we have no control over whether something might happen in the future. It does not stop us from getting on with our daily lives. After the 7/7 bombings happened in London, people dusted themselves off and continued getting on with their lives.
It is a tragic, horrible event, perpetrated by fanatics who have no concern over the lives of innocent people. They are just trying to strike fear and disruption into the lives of normal people. As far as possible, we should not let them win!
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I think the descion by England is correct as in the past when events such as this have happened a flair up of sectarian violence has followed.
Most indians will be angry about what has happened and most likely some politicians who are looking for gain will start to flair up crowds and this will soon lead to more violence. The example I will use in the Gujuratt riots and the massacre on both sides by the groups of extreme hindu and muslims.
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I agree that the english players should be given the choice. Don't let the terrorists win.
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Not playing cricket in India means giving into the terrorists. If cricket is affected it will amount to destroying one of the most unifying forces in that country. The citizens of India enjoy cricket more than anything and it is their greatest past time. The common Indian that pays Rs 200 to 500 to get a ticket and watch is paying a substantiall portion of his earned income. The edifice of modern day cricket is built on the back of this common India. Taking away this past time would amount to the proverbial "the last straw that broke the camels back"
Yes sportsmen such as cricketers are exposed to risks posed by mad men but so is the spectator and all should take responsibility in makind sure that the show must go on.
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Mihir your points are valid but there is a sea of difference between the assurances of Indian authorities and the UK authorities . In India the authorities does not seem to be in control unlike UK. The recent uphazard operation against terrorists in Mumbai will make any Joe to question the ability and motive of the Indian Government in fighting terror. Kevin Peiterson is right
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As a Mumbaikar,I don't agree with Mihir at all.Mumbai is not a safe place for normal citizens leave aside famous cricketers who'll prove to be juicy targets for the terrorists.Indian ruling establishment(of which Mr Pawar, the BCCI chief is very much a part) is insensitive towards the security of its citizens and English team's team's return has only highlighted this.Kudos to them!Cricket is not a priority, safety surely is.There should be a waiting period of 1 year and any team should visit India(only if the Indian government is able to prevent such a attack for this period).
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Mihir, good blog and I reflect the sentiments you have about Mumbai. I am a person of Indian origin and have a similar affinity to Delhi, and I wouldn't hesitate for a minute if I needed to go there tomorrow.
However, India - as vast a country as it is - is still governed by a single government and is subject to the same internal and external threats irrespective of whether you are in Chennai or Mumbai or Guwahati.
During the IPL there was a bomb attack in Jaipur, the Parliament in Delhi has been infilterated about 4 years ago, Race Riots have been prominent in Gujarat and Orissa for a long time and the South has previously been subject to Tamil militant attacks. 10 terrorists managed to use basic deception to infilter 2 landmarks of the city in the Taj and the Oberoi and kill 200 people which took the Commandos 60 hours to end.
If such a tragedy could have happened with such relative ease in areas of 'high' security, then high profile Western Cricketers will not feel safe being in such an environment and Indian officials would be hard pushed to guarantee the security as well.
India is not an inherently unsafe environment. However, with the countrys home affairs in the state their in, lack of accountability and planning for such eventualities and the ability of media to broadcast any images and reports uncencored to the global audience.
India is not unsafe, but until the goverment cleans its act up and acts repsonsibly to demonstrate security can be guaranteed I dont think English Cricketers should be returning in a weeks time. Maybe 6 months. Maybe a year.
The government needs a wake up call, and hopefully this will serve as one.
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It is unfair to compare the security level of UK, and the intelligence of India which has already failed in numerous occasions. What is true is that people like Mr. Mihir should not be concerned about the attitudes of other teams but rather concern themselves with the problem their country is facing. Rather than complaining, responsible and educated people like him should be working to improve the situation of the country... And certainly the double standards in terms of Pakistan's security does not help..
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The attacks targeted westerners - what bigger target than western sportsmen. These guys have young families - they are not political pawns. I can appreciate that a message needs to be sent out to the terrorists that they will not stop us living our lives but I think its not fair to rest this amount of pressure on the team. If they dont want to go back then they dont have to go back. And in terms of the article, although I dont like to say it, its fair to say that India does not have the same structure and resources as Western countries so its little wonder that there is an extra hesitancy. Thats not to belittle the wonderful country of India but it is true....and then theres now the added heavy tones now resounding between Pakistan and India. Let the cricketers decide - they are the ones that have to choose not us - and stop adding pressure by making comparisons between previous attacks.
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Im sorry, i came here to read about cricket, and admittedly some politics to see what people truely think, but can all the Britsh/Pakistani based muslims stop using this horrific event as ammunition for properganda inorder to pawn off India and pakistan as a similar story??? Its totally wrong in my opinion,
There is a massive difference between england ditherring over playing a test in india and England,india, auss, SA, NZ etc playing in pakistan. In Pakistan, the terrorrist activities are carried out by nationals, i.e. Pakistani Muslims in a Islamic Pakistani state, in India ( and this is the only similarity) the bombs in mubai were carried out by Pakistani muslims, (though i totally agree they are probably from some extreamist faction and do not respresent the Pakistan) but claiming to be indian! only later, when they found the Pakistani ship sailing off indian waters and the flaoting dingy were their true identies known, so im sorry, Ahmed, shaleem and the rest, i totally agree with you there shouldnt be double standards, and england should be playing in pakistan, but pakistand needs to sort the problem out at home, since its affecting everyone else. Im neither indian nor pakistani, i hold no allegence, infact i have friends from both ethnic minorities, i am simply stating facts
Peace and Love
T Perry
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Keep in mind the enormous risk terrorists take in directly attacking international cricketers in the subcontinent. Cricket is a way of life through Pakistan and India, and international cricketers (including English and Aussie) are greatly respected. Terrorists are always playing a dicey propaganda game with the general public (whom they need to have on their side), and going directly after cricket in south Asia would alienate many whom they are trying to rouse to their cause.
Let's let life continue - that's the only way to fight terrorism. I lived in Washington D.C. during 9/11, and I've sat at Victoria Station in London for several hours, and I've been to Times Square, and I would go to a Madrid train station if needed. Time to move on and not let the bastards drag us down.
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I'd rather that safety takes priority over making Lalit Modi slightly richer... Doesn't everyone?
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zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
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this is not the first time that a sporting event has been cancelled due to security/terrorist fears - and cricket itself is not alone. The Ryder cup in 2001 was postponed due to the 9/11 bombings (even though it was scheduled to be in the UK) and there have been numerous other examples including football matches and the obvious cricket matches discussed in detail above.... so it is hardly "breaking news"... there is a precedent set that RIGHTLY says sport is very secondary to human life.
If people don't feel safe, doing anything, whether it be cricket, sport, anything then they should not be made to do it - that is surely a basic human right that we are all entitled to.
I have no strong feelings about the English cricket team to be honest - either which way - the sport or individuals concerned is irrelevant.
The loss of human life is tragic and for people to get over emotional about whether a cricket match is called off, or whether their is a loss of revenue to anyone is quite frankly pathetic.
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The terrorists would be delighted with this round of insults. Indians and Brits insulting each other, far from the sort of unity one would hope for. I'm afraid this is typical of cricketers. The situations in Pakistan and now in India, have shown their mettle. Of course one can understand them having fears, but that is why they might have seized the opportunity to show their courage and send a message to the world.
One can't help but think that the English players were only to pleased to leave India, the English seem to have no interest in playing anybody but Australia, games against other teams don't even make the news in Britain. There was a suggestion earlier that the south asian teams should form a league of their own, I fear that England and Australia wouldn't mind, and then cricket could give up any hope of becoming a global sport.
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Hi Mihir,
Thanks for the post above - it struck a chord at a tough time for Mumbai - I hope you will be able to return to the sweet lime and soda too - it does really sound like a great drink in a hot country.
I think it has been demonstrated that cricketers of all nations will endeavour to return to India - to avoid it is to deprive themselves of a livelihood. The same is not true of Pakistan. The reality is that England are overwhelmingly likely to enjoy a safe tour (just as they are overwhelmingly likely to have a safe flight there and back); but one can never say definitively so. They should go, unless the boards saw fit to change the scheduled dates so they could get some proper preparation in (then again, had they not flown straight home that wouldn't have been necessary).
Quiet week for you? Was looking forward to your sources breaking the Honda financial collapse, but you can't have it all I suppose, and one undefended blog every now and then is still very nice.
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Mihir,
I hope that there is something that will be positive for both India and England...
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I absolutely agree that sports and games must continue despite maniacal terrorist attacks. I live in New York City and one of my great memories is the first New York Mets game a week after the attack. I believe Liza Minnelli sang the National Anthem and during the seventh inning stretch I vividly remember her leading a kick line with NYC policemen and firemen to the tune of the secular city anthem "New York, New York." Life must go on especially joyous life as the best antidote to the forces of death and destruction.
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