ACB denies report it will not tour India again unless security is overhauled

The Australian Cricket Board (ACB) has denied reports in a United Kingdom newspaper that it will not tour India again unless security arrangements in that country are overhauled.

Responding to the claim, made in Friday's Daily Mail, ACB Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland said: "The decision on whether we undertake tours is one that is made by the ACB's Board of Directors.

"The suggestion we have discussed or even contemplated not touring India again is untrue.

"Ahead of every tour the Australian side undertakes, we discuss many issues surrounding that tour with the relevant home board and we will no doubt do that with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) ahead of our next scheduled trip to that country in 2004.

"But it is simply incorrect to state we are contemplating not touring there."

Mr Sutherland added: "Our most recent tour of India from February to April of this year was a thrilling one, full of brilliant cricket by both sides.

"I know the touring party received outstanding kindness and hospitality during the trip. The public who turned up to see the players and watch them in action were generous in their support and their passion for and love of the game of cricket gave the squad memories that will last a lifetime."