Indian tour is given the go-ahead
NEW DELHI, India -- India's government gave the go-ahead for their cricket team's tour to Bangladesh after officials checked out security precautions in Dhaka following a threat from a militant group.
The series will get under way with the first test in Dhaka on Thursday.
Militant group Harkatul Jihad threatened to kill Indian players to avenge the deaths of Muslims killed in religious rioting in India's Gujarat state in 2002.
Bangladesh's State Minister for Home Affairs, M. Lutfuzzaman Babar said the threats, sent in a letter, were only a ploy to tarnish his country's image
He said the Harkat-ul-Jihad did not exist in Bangladesh and told India they had nothing to fear.
India's government advised the cricket board to delay the team's departure until Wednesday to allow officials to examine security arrangements at the match venues, the hotels the players would stay in and the routes they would travel.
The Indian security delegation will now assess the security arrangements in Chittagong, where the second test is due to be played.
Board of Control for Cricket in India president Ranbir Mahendra said:"The tour is on but the Indian team will only play in Chittagong if the government approves it."
Bangladesh will be boosted by the return of paceman Mashrafe Mortaza, known as the "Narail Express," who has been out with a year-long knee injury after a run of good performances against England and Pakistan last year.
The 21-year-old is perhaps the home side's only test class bowling option apart from left-arm spinner Mohammad Rafique, known for his lethal arm ball.
The pair will have to be at their very best against a strong Indian batting line-up, which is eager to be back among the runs after struggling in the 1-0 test series win over South Africa following their 2-1 loss at home to Australia.
