Morris grateful for BCCI co-operation

Hugh Morris addresses the media at a press conference in the England team hotel

ECB managing director Hugh Morris has thanked the Board of Control for Cricket in India for its understanding regarding the postponement of the final two one-day internationals.

The two matches, at Guwahati on November 29, and Delhi on December 2, have both been called off in light of the terrorist attacks in Mumbai.

Speaking in a press conference at the team hotel in Bhubaneswar, Morris said: “I appraised (chief executive) David Collier and (chairman) Giles Clarke of the situation.

“I was pleased to meet with the Honorary Secretary of the BCCI, Mr N Srinivasan.

“We asked him to consider cancelling our arranged flight to Guwahati, and for us to stay in Bhubaneswar.

“We also asked for the BCCI to consider cancelling the sixth and seventh one-day international.

“The two ODIs have been cancelled. The ECB is most grateful to the BCCI for their co-operation to that effect.”

Morris reassured that England players and management have been kept informed of the events, and of the security advice offered to the ECB.

“When I arrived back at the team hotel I had meetings with our security advisers,” he said.

“We also needed advice from the BCCI and the British High Commission. We obviously take security advice from a number of different sources.

“It is a tragic event, and one that is evolving. Our thoughts go out to the families who are affected.

“The players are very disturbed by it, as we all are.

“I met with the senior players and then the senior management, and told them what has happened. They have been communicated with on a regular basis.

Security has been stepped up at the Bhubaneswar hotel where the England squad will remain tonight

“I also spoke to the PCA representative Sean Morris back in the UK, so the players are well-informed.

“Terrorism is a global issue,” the managing director added. “It's an issue that's very real to us and we do not want to compromise the safety and security of our players at any time - that's why we take safety and security so seriously.

“It's tragic at any time but when you were there two weeks ago and were due to be there in another two weeks it's really brought it home.

“If affects you when you know the place so well.”

Morris refuted reports that the ECB had asked the BCCI to consider cancelling the upcoming two-Test series in India.

The first Test is due to begin in Ahmedabad on December 11-15, with the second Test scheduled to be held in Mumbai on December 19-23.

“I can refute the report that we asked Mr Srinivasan to cancel the Test series,” he said. “We did not request the cancellation of the Test series.

“Whenever England play cricket, we act on security advice. If our security advice says that it is safe to play a two-Test series, then that is what we will do.”

The inaugural Twenty20 Champions League, which Middlesex Crusaders were due to compete in, has already been postponed. Middlesex have remained in England.

The England Performance Squad will also travel home immediately.

Morris said: “They were due to spend a period in Bangalore before they moved on to Mumbai. Clearly that is not possible and they will return home in due course.”