No shifts, IPL will go as planned

There would be no setbacks during the third edition of the Indian Premier League, the show ill go on. IPL head honcho Lalit Modi has promised that the tournament will go ahead as planned and that there would no arm twisting from any player association.

"The IPL will allow replacement for those who decide not to show up," he said on Twitter. However, they risk being in future IPL. The call be their's. At the moment there are about 98 players on the waiting list, who would play in case the current batch of players decide to opt out. Reportedly Australian captain Ricky Ponting 'is telling players not to participate in the IPL'. "Maybe, it's due to the fact he was dropped from KKR." Modi said. "The government has already given ample assurances for safe conduct of games. We are working with all agencies in this direction," he said. "Chances Champions League will be in India - will teams say they will not come??? Doubt it. Australia tour India in October - will Australian Players Association dictate them not coming then? Doubt it."

"I have been sent messages through various quarters to entertain FICA preisdent Tim May. Unfortunately, we do not recognise FICA or any agents." he added. Australian Cricketers Association chief Paul Marsh had a meeting with most of the Australian players participating in the IPL in Sydney on Tuesday regarding the security. Reportedly the New Zealand Cricket Players' Association is also unhappy with the threats and security arrangements. According to Marsh there was a report which showed flaws in the security plans for the IPL and that the arrangements absoulutely must be upgraded.

South African captain Graeme Smith is wary about playing in India for the IPL as well. "Players remain concerned about the security issues for IPL," said Smith, "This is a big event with lots of different players, stadia, hotels and travel arrangements. The help and assistance we get for this event from our players association will be very important to us. Everyone is monitoring the situation very closely at the moment. The guys were nervous before the game but we need to trust the process we have always used with CSA and the South African Cricketers' Association (SACA). We would prefer to play in a more peaceful environment but that's the nature of the world we live in at the momen."