Australian cricketers won't bow down to the terrorists

Sydney, March 5 : Unlike their fellow cricketers, who are apprehensive of travelling to India for the Indian Premier League (IPL), some Australian players said that they won't bow down to the terrorists.

The attack on Sri Lankan cricketers in Lahore might have raised some questions on the security of players in the sub-continent but now Australian players are vowing to beat terrorism by playing in the IPL next month.

Nathan Bracken, Dave Hussey, Brad Hodge and wonderboy Dave Warner are also vowing to be in the subcontinent come April.

"It's concerning that terrorism is impacting the sport. But I'll still be going," Bracken was quoted as saying by The Daily Telegraph.

Hodge, Hussey and former Test coach John Buchanan - all involved with the Kolkata Knight Riders - are determined to stare down terrorism.

"We've been advised not to make comment on it. But from where I stand it's a tragic event and you have to soldier on. Bombs have gone off in London and we've toured there," Hodge said.

Hussey agreed: "It's probably a formality I will go back but I am monitoring events. I really enjoy playing in India and I get very well looked after in Kolkata but I do have a few reservations about security at the moment."

All-rounder Shane Watson, who played under Shane Warne in the Rajasthan Royals, said he'd be happy travelling to India if the Federation of International Cricketers' Association (FICA) were able to ensure the required security standards.

"You're never safe anywhere, to be fair. It's part and parcel of the world environment at the moment, more than just a certain region. I love playing cricket and if the opportunity is there to go to India, I will be there with bells on," Watson said.

--IANS