The Hindu : Sport : South Africa's decision pending

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Aug 16, 2006

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South Africa's decision pending

S. Dinakar

Awaits report from ICC's private security agency

TO PLAY OR NOT TO PLAY? South Africa's skipper Mark Boucher (left) will be hoping that things are sorted out and the tri-series gets going.

Colombo: The South African cricket team will stay in Sri Lanka for the Unitech ODI tri-series subject to the approval of the host's upgraded security measures by an independent security company, hired by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Announcing the decision at the team hotel at 5.05 p.m. on Tuesday, the South African media manager Malcolm Templeton said, "We expect the report from the agency recruited by the ICC soon. If the evaluation says `no' then we leave. Otherwise we play on."

If the South Africans continue their campaign in Sri Lanka, then they would play their first match against India at the Singhalese Sports Club ground on Saturday in a day game.

Final pushed back

The abandoned opening encounter between South Africa and Sri Lanka will then be played on August 29. Rain and wet ground conditions at the Premadasa Stadium prevented play on the reserve day as well.

The final, which was originally slated for August 29, has been pushed back to September 2.

Mr. Templeton read out a statement from Brian Basson, General Manager, Cricket South Africa's (CSA) cricket affairs, which said, "Cricket, police and security officials have assured us that the highest levels of security are in place in Sri Lanka to ensure the safety of the players, which has been paramount in our deliberations."

He said the CSA had also been informed by the South African High Commissioner in Colombo that the "the team and cricket in general do not appear to be targets in the civil unrest in Sri Lanka."

The South African cricketers, as coach Micky Arthur said, were very much concerned after Monday's bomb blast close to the team hotel. Several cricketers expressed their desire to leave for home and the South Africans were on the verge of pulling out, subject to approval from CSA and ICC.

SLC's attempt

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) was tenacious in its attempt to convince the South Africans to change their mind. Things began to look up for the host after a meeting at the team hotel on Monday night involving the South African team management, SLC officials and senior police officers.

SLC secretary Adel Hashim came out of the meeting with a smile and told The Hindu, "As far as we are concerned, the South Africans are staying. Look, Ashwell Prince's wife is leaving on Tuesday, but he is staying back. This indicates that the South Africans want to play. We will upgrade the security."

Soon, Mr. Hashim handed his mobile phone to the South African manager Goolam Rajah. It was a call from SLC CEO Duleep Mendis. The Sri Lankans were using all their persuasive skills.

It was close to 1.30 a.m. on a seemingly endless night that the first clear indication that the South Africans might reconsider their decision emerged. Skipper Mark Boucher said: "We have not decided yet." Pressed further he answered, "I think, finally, we could stay."

Frequent deliberations

There were frequent deliberations between the cricketers and the CSA officials back home over the issue. The CSA also sought ICC's opinion on the subject.

The South African cricketers appeared relaxed at the hotel. Paceman Makhaya Ntini even performed break dance before a waiting group of journalists.

The Indians, who had a practice session at the Premadasa Stadium in the afternoon, went about their business without any worries. "The spirit in the camp is high and the boys are looking forward to the contest," said manager Sanjay Jagdale.

He revealed that Team India had made three requests to the SLC. "We have asked for bullet-proof cars, more security on the routes, and more policemen in the hotel. We have been told that all these requests would be met."

Mr. Jadgale said, "The bomb blast on Monday was sad. But these incidents have become a part of our everyday life. A sportsman has to deal with them. There have been blasts in London also."

Considering that the final of the ICC Champions Trophy is to be held in Mumbai, that has been a target of terrorist strikes, the BCCI would not like to send the wrong signals by pulling out of the event here. Moreover, the Lankans went ahead with their tour of India late last year, despite security apprehensions.

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