By IANS,
Melbourne : Former Australian Test cricketer and Deccan Chargers captain Adam Gilchrist is pondering whether to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL) after threats from Indian right-wing political party Shiv Sena against Australian players.
Gilchrist is one of up to 30 Australians, including captain Ricky Ponting and former players like Matthew Hayden and Andrew Symonds, who will appear in the third edition of the IPL from March 12.
“Adam is aware of the situation and he is always very mindful of the security concerns in India. Adam was looking to play in this year’s tournament but it is always a worry when statements like that [made by Shiv Sena] are being made,” Gilchrist’s manager Stephen Atkinson was quoted as saying by The Daily Telegraph.
“Ultimately, he will be guided by the views of Cricket Australia and security experts. He is intending to go, but any final decision is subject to travel and security advice by Cricket Australia and the ACA (Australian Cricketers Association),” he added.
The inaugural series in 2008 was rocked by a bombing in Jaipur that killed eight people.
While Gilchrist is still awaiting professional advice, former Test off-spinner Jason Krejza says Shiv Sena’s threats are unlikely to stop him travelling to India.