London, Jul 20: The 13/7 Mumbai serial blasts have led to a sporting casualty for India. Following the terror attack, Blackburn Rovers, the Indian-owned English Premier League side have postponed their pre-season visit to India.

This was informed by the club on Jul 19.

In a statement, Blackburn said, "The board and the owners have agreed to reschedule until such time as further risk assessments and appraisals have been undertaken."

"Safety is always our top priority and after detailed discussions with our security and legal advisors we have been left with no option other than to postpone," it added.

However, the trip has not been completely cancelled and may be postponed to a later date. In the statement, the club said, "While everyone is obviously disappointed, we all accept the circumstances and the reasoning. We are now looking forward to the trip in India in a few weeks time."

It can be recollected that the Indian company Venky's took over the English Premier League side, earlier this year and buying out 99.9 % shareholding in Board of Blackburn Rovers Football and Athletic plc (BRF&A).

The trip would also make Blackburn Rovers the first English Premier League side to visit India.

The Indian football fans would be surely disappointed by the move, but in the larger interest of the game, it would be very unfair if the club cancels the planned trip altogether.

OneIndia News