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Nervous players can opt out of Pak tour: Dalmiya

Shyam Bhatia in London | February 17, 2004 12:16 IST
Last Updated: February 17, 2004 12:22 IST


Jagmohan Dalmiya, president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, has said that any player nervous about touring Pakistan next month will have the right to opt out.

Dalmiya gave this assurance in a radio interview only 24 hours after the government gave its go-ahead for the historic tour.

Reports of player unrest because of security concerns were categorically denied by Dalmiya, who nevertheless said he was willing to listen to anyone who has reservations about going.

"We are going to play a game of cricket, we are not going to fight a war," Dalmiya told the British Broadcasting Corporation in the interview. "It is not mandatory that anyone has to go.

"To perform better, to perform at the optimum level, it is important that the player is physically and mentally absolutely tuned to the optimum. Therefore, unless he himself is feeling good and free, he will not be able to perform. And therefore we do not like any player to go under pressure.

"If anyone comes forward -- but remember that not a single person has come forward, that's another speculation in the media -- but otherwise whosoever has met me, talked to me, I never read that anyone was in doubt not to go."

India's Tour of Pakistan: The complete coverage


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Number of User Comments: 4




Sub: Who will dare to opt out??

A place in the Indian team is like the hottest seat in the conutry. Ask I. Pathan. He was selected as replacement bowler for Z. ...


Posted by Rahul Kulkarni





Sub: Why go at all ? when the nation is busy with the election ?

"We are going to play a game of cricket, we are not going to fight a war," Dalmiya told the British Broadcasting Corporation in the ...


Posted by chanakya





Sub: Why on earth are they going!!!

I dont get it...why on earth are they so very eager to play against pakistan in pakistan..inspite of all known threats!!!Its ridiculous!!


Posted by Sam





Sub: indians should go

yes...all kashmiris want the indians to go to the LAND OF THE PURE and get a good beating too... no no not by the crowds ...


Posted by kashmir




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