ICC security head Flanagan assures players, fans safety

Come to watch the Champions Trophy safe in the knowledge that you are well protected. That is the message from Ronnie Flanagan, the chairman of the ICC's anti-corruption and security unit (ACSU), in the wake of the terrorist attack in Manchester this week.

Flanagan said that cricket could not "yield" to the terrorists. "Basically come safe and secure knowledge that we will make this a safe and secure tournament," Flanagan, who has experience on the police force, said at a media briefing in London. "Don't let the terrorists have their way. In my experience sport can be a wonderfully positive influence in the face of adversity and in the face of terrorism. We have seen that in South Africa. I saw at first hand in Ireland."

Following the attack in Manchester, which took place at a music concert, the UK government raised the threat level from severe to critical - the highest level. Armed military personnel have been deployed across the country to assist the police in averting any further attacks.

Flanagan's past experience as a cop is highly relevant. Before arriving at the ICC, he was the Home Office chief inspector of constabulary for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and previously was the chief constable of the police service of Northern Ireland.

According to Flanagan the ICC and ECB were working closely with the police to make sure the teams' movements will not be affected.

"I have every confidence that we cannot yield in any way to terrorists' intentions," he said. "I would ask the public to be vigilant and the old adage, if they see something, to say something. But come to our matches.

"But, come expecting some additional inconvenience, expecting pat-down searches, vehicle searches etc. And searches of any equipment they bring with them. And there will be fast lanes for those not carrying equipment. So that might be an encouragement for people who might have normally brought picnics and all sorts of things. May be they want to reconsider that. Perhaps this tournament just might offer a little opportunity to break through the gloom in some small way."

It is understood that so far none of the eight participating teams have raised any concerns to the ICC. Training sessions have carried on as per schedule. There has been no restriction on player movements, but the team managements have been briefed by the ICC security officials. Captains of various teams including India, New Zealand and Sri Lanka confirmed that, saying the players remained confident and secure.

"What happened here few days back was really saddening and very disturbing for everyone who saw it, especially a place like England has not had many of these incidents happen in the past," Virat Kohli, the India captain, said. "Yeah, for a few people it can be sort of a nervous time, but I don't think as a squad you have time to focus on those factors because eventually you understand you are here for a sporting tournament.

"That for us remains paramount in our thought patterns. I personally don't feel any nervousness as such. I saw life resume pretty normally and that is always a healthy sign. There wasn't anything disturbing to see on the streets to say the least, nothing different from what I have seen in the past. I am actually excited to play the tournament."

India landed in London on Thursday morning, and Kohli said the team had already been briefed about dos and don'ts. "With the security information coming in it is be very helpful for the players - what are the areas we can access, what times we can access them, what are the areas we need to avoid... All those sort of those things come into play when you have a situation like this, which the players need to respect. There is a lot at stake for everyone here: the cricketers, the ICC, ECB. Everyone is worried about everyone's security."