FICA boss reiterates security concerns

Tim May, the chief executive of the players' body, FICA, has said that security remains a "very serious" concern for all players, officials and spectators at the World Cup, despite a claim of the eve of the tournament from the ICC's CEO Haroon Lorgat that it was a "non-issue".

When questioned about the security ahead of the tournament, Lorgat told reporters in Dhaka: "We're mature in our processes, we're very robust and as a consequence of our experiences, we've got systems and personnel in place. It's in fact a non-issue."

May responded in a FICA press release, stating that while he was satisfied that their appointed security consultants, Eastern Star International, had found the proposed arrangements to be sound, the onus remained with the ICC to ensure that they are carried out to the letter.

"I have spoken recently to Haroon, so as to gain an understanding of the context of his comments, and remain confident that the ICC shares FICA's concerns regarding the importance of security measures at the World Cup," said May.

"The continued focus on the implementation of security plans is still a very serious and relevant issue and is far from 'a matter that is not an issue to anyone'. The plans are only a part of the security solution, and now it is up to the ICC and World Cup security personnel to ensure that the plans are implemented as laid down."

The final, on April 2, is scheduled to take place at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, which has yet to be passed off as fit for purpose following a fire safety check, while Mumbai itself was the venue for a terrorist attack in November 2008 that led to the postponement of England's Test and one-day tour.

Pakistan had been due to co-host the World Cup, but no international cricket has been able to take place in the country since an attack on the Sri Lanka team bus in Lahore in March 2009. And in the 1996 World Cup, the last to be staged in the subcontinent, Australia and West Indies forfeited group matches in Colombo following bombings and security concerns.

"Provision of security in the World Cup is a massive challenge to the organisers of the event, with 14 teams moving around three countries," said May. "It is a significant and complicated task to protect players, officials and spectators.

"There is no place for complacency in the delivery of these plans and we trust that the importance of the issue of security remains the highest priority of the ICC, event hosts and security forces."