Security still a concern for World Cup organisers: May

Melbourne, Feb 18 (PTI) International cricketers''representative Tim may says security still remains a majorworry for World Cup organisers, despite assurances from ICCchief Haroon Lorgat who had called it a "non-issue".

May, chief executive of the Federation of InternationalCricketers Associations, said security for players, officialsand spectators is still a priority for FICA at the six-weektournament starting tomorrow in India, Sri Lanka andBangladesh.

"(This is) despite comments attributable to ICC CEOHaroon Lorgat that security at the World Cup was a''non-issue'' and ''not an issue for anyone''," May said in astatement released today.

"I have spoken recently to Haroon, so as to gain anunderstanding of the context of his comments, and remainconfident that the ICC shares FICA''s concerns regarding theimportance of security measures at the World Cup.

"The continued focus on the implementation of securityplans is still a very serious and relevant issue and is farfrom ''a matter that is not an issue to anyone''," May wasquoted as saying by the Australian Associated Press.

The former Australia spinner said FICA''s securityconsultant Eastern Star International had recently concluded areview of the security arrangements for the event and foundthe proposed arrangements to be sound.

He said the ESI was confident that provided the planswere implemented in a professional manner the risk to theplayers will be minimised to a great extent.

"The plans are only a part of the security solution, andnow it is up to the ICC and World Cup security personnel toensure that the plans are implemented as laid down," May said.

"Provision of security in the World Cup is a massivechallenge to the organisers of the event, with 14 teams movingaround three countries.

"It is a significant and complicated task to protectplayers, officials and spectators.

"There is no place for complacency in the delivery ofthese plans and we trust that the importance of the issue ofsecurity remains the highest priority of the ICC, event hostsand security forces." PTI AH