I applaud ECB unreservedly

The news ^{Cricketnext.com} that England intends to carry on with their interrupted tour is worthy of sincere applause.

From their point of view, it is a statement of how they percieve 1) their role in the fight against terrorism on other fronts 2) India's capability to provide security and capacity to counter terrorism and 3) the larger view of the game of cricket.

It is clear that after careful consideration and discussion with its government and advisors, ECB has come to certain conclusions on the first two points. The third is perhaps a significant one taken by them.

With the third, they have stated India's relevance in the game of cricket from a sustaining perspective. Of course, India will have to reciprocate in some manner - it could be the ICL bans.

The first two are perhaps more important for a pullout would have had an adverse overall impact on India rather than just cricket.

ECB and British government deserves applause for the statements they have made.

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England's own susceptibility places the safety issues as a matter of perception.

These three links from Daily Telegraph suggest the dangers within England and London in particular.

1) Peter Clarke who retired this year as head of Scotland Yard's Counter-Terrorism Command

2) Former head of SAS

3) Counter-terrorism investigators believe a terrorist was planning a Mumbai-style massacre in Britain.