Great post, Michael. Unfortunately as Gideon Haigh pointed out a few days ago, it has already become a vehicle for promoting nationalism. It's too late to convince those millions of Indians that certain cricketers are genuinely concerned about their safety. While there are others who are willing to see that side, they are in a minority and you can be sure that various elements will strive hard to fan the flames. Afterall, it's all about TRPs. Who cares if the sport goes to the dogs?

Security is always a serious issue - whether you are playing cricket or fetching a jug of milk from a convenience store. You can die only once - and where makes no difference. With SA being the most crime ridden country in the world, it is surprising to see Smith joining the chorus of security worries. Such things make you wonder if this is a real issue or just a power play.

It would seem obvious that those that do not want to play in IPL because of safety concerns shouldn't. If they think that their life would be in danger in India, they definitely should not visit, deal with the consequences of the breach of contract and be done with it.

I cancelled a business trip to Australia last year because of the spate of racist violence directed at Indians. So, unlike millions of other Indians, I perfectly understand that people can and should make decisions, howsoever irrational, on the basis of perceived personal security.

IPL and Pakistan-initiated (they haven't much control over the beast they unleashed) terrorism are both here to stay. IPL will not be moving out of India. Might as well stage the Pura Cup in Sri Lanka.

You can't have your cake and eat it too. You cannot reasonably expect a tournament with 95% Indian participation, 100% Indian ownership and ~90% Indian viewership to be held outside India. Last year was a special case because of elections.

What a finely nuanced piece of writing. Beautifully balanced - well done sir.

hey Michael, you say it's "ultimately boils down to money" then should there be "no threats or talk of lifetime bans or blackballs" if the those who invest their own money on organising it deem so? who are we to dictate how they run their business? would you entertain me telling you how to spend your money? you know what i think this really boils down to? only one thing - historical baggage the anglo camp is carrying - that of being used to dictating terms to the "east" as you kindly put it - has ended quite dramatically and it seems difficult (albeit inevitable) to abondon. your writing is just plain pathetic.

hey mahek, why did australia travel to england just after the bombing there? to show support and solidarity that the terrorists can't win. when the whites support fellow whites in distant countries this way, it's high time you started showing some national spirit yourself (i don't blame the anglo camp - sorry we are brown).

ref your comment: "Some individuals are less risk-averse than others, some are less fazed by terror threats than others and no one deserves censure or praise for making a personal decision" - if this were true, why have ponting and a few faithful banded together and trying to use the so called 'ACA' association (something or the other) as a front to pressure other interested players to boycott the IPL? if "it boils down to money" as you say, then it is upto the individual players to participate in the IPL isn't it???again, another pathetic excuse - sorry Michael you are not convincing in the least.

Folks, lets remember why IPL went to S Africa. There were general elections in India and the law and order authorities could not guarantee security for two mega events simultaneously. That’s not the case this time so we must place some faith in the governance in India. I live in the US and, like many of you, invest in Indian capital markets. Don’t tell me I should run away with my money since the word of Indian authorities is meaningless. Let’s relax and enjoy the IPL the way it belongs—in India.

Prakash, thanks for your measured and calm comments. Just what the situation needs! Could not agree more about your comments re Ponting and ACA situation. My point exactly - I think it should just be upto the individual and not upto any organisation or association to tell them what to do. A chip on the other shoulder will balance you perfectly!

A hypothetic scenario.. by 12th march all expected aboad players will show up.. There is no Mathew heyden or Warne in present aussie team so no issues if they dont come. Moreover they are always available only for part of the tournament so i guess we never missed them in first two IPL and the same will hold good now too. Ricky Pontng is the most hated cricketer in India so his absence is good for KKR

To make it really international and help in the development of cricket it should be made mandatory that every team in IPL and other leagues should have a player from an associate ODI country in their playing XI.This would benefit the assocaiate countries a lot as they would get an opportunity to play with great players.

What a drama created by ECB&co to dictate IPL(its after all private event).

ECB&Co have their own openion we respect it but the same way IPL have its own agenda so please respect it and if possible do any good to Global cricket fans by entertaining them.

some actions of ECB:
0. Ponting player of the decade? lol
(leaving Lara, Sachin, Kallis behind who have entertained world cricket fans and with good attitude on/off the field)
1. Denying Zimbabway participation in world T20 held in UK 2009 just because of Robert Mogabe.
2.ECB efforts to counter IPL with stanford 20-20 failed.
3.No big fan following in Europe for cricket including own England.
4.They cant send their players to CLT20(international event) just because they cant adjust local county schedule.

Just like NHL, NBA AND MLB would never be played outside N.America, the IPL shouldn't be played out of the Indian sub-continent. The players are not bigger than the league itself. Yes, their security is important and given the assurance of Indian government, they have the choice of either coming, or get banned for life from IPL. Its good logic. There is millions on stake for the investors for no fault of theirs either.

Hi micheal, it seems making no sense to think too far actually.Afterall its indian premier league

Hi Micheal,it seems making no sense to think too far actually.Let me put it this way afterall its an indian league where the foreign players were included to add the flavour to the contest and been paid handsomely for that with some well written guidelines for the players how to conduct themselves as far as the IPL is concerned.with the indian government assuring all the security possible, If the player still want to opt out of it let them face all consequences for violating the agreement.Its as simple as that.Why these so callaed players association etc trying to dictate the indigenous IPL.Afterall the threat of terrorism is real everywhere with the so called assurity for the safety.its up to the players to leave behind the threat and stand up show the cricket world is united and are up to face challenges for the gentlemen game to flourish in the future.Otherwise i am sorry this article has nothing to bear.GO ON IPL.

Some individuals are less risk-averse than others, some are less fazed by terror threats than others and no one deserves censure or praise for making a personal decision.

this is what exactly it is people who want to cry oh it is dangerous becuase this or that will always keep doing that but comments from shane warne move ipl again to south africa and then now ready to come to india make me wonder why all the fuss about security when in the end you gonna make the decision on the basis of your financial position rather than security position and nice word by modi anything can happen anywhere in the world if india is not the safest place in the world then it is not most dangerous place in the world and for people who wanna whine and cry they will always do don't need to pay any attention to them

IPL should unite. Because of the enormous monetary success everyone who is someone wants to grab something. All the rubbish around is petty politics.
It extremely difficult to digest the tasteless website of KKR, the site is extremely slow and is an eyesore. I am a great fan of SSK and Juhi, but they are taking guidance from misguiding elements, hence the state of their success rate on the field. Poor reflection for details

Good one

Hey Michael, Aftr all.. its Indian Premiere League(can expect max indian participants).. and no player is greater than the League. Within 3yrs this league has achieved tremondous success in cricket world...which tells the stroy. I would like2 Thank u for your concerns bt jst wait and watch.. days will come when these Pointings and Smiths will wait in queue for thier turn in IPL. bcoz, which ever country do they belong to, wht ever the colour of their skin...at d end of the day, they speak only one language.. and dat is CRICKET.About security concern, I will expect a post from you regarding this when AUS or ENG will tour to india next time...(well, we all know the cricket bodies of these contries will hav no prob allowing the players to tour dat time.)
So I request you Mr Michael and the your fellow friends who still doubt the future of this league, please just relax and enjoy the IPL 2010..

IPL is created for national Event of INDIA.......and is for local PEOPLE....It does involve alot of money and so has grabed the attention of players all over teh world.....its actually produce more talent in india...where india's youngsters get to play with few international reknowned players in their team.

ICC has called it a local event of India and so has not given it a window.........then why Aussies and people in West are so concerned about local competition in India. Michael you shoud answer this.