Rajasthan Royals Team Members Express Concern, Solidarity

It is easy to take a tough stand when one is removed from the direct line of fire. But when close aides are caught in the cross fire and security has been compromised, it becomes hard to argue with the facts.

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Lalit Modi has little qualms or choice for that matter, is saying that the only logical thing was to postpone the Champions League Twenty20 in light of the terror that hit Mumbai on 26th November. Their own colleagues closely working with them on the forthcoming Champions League were stranded by the dozen at the Taj and even had a close shave with the dastardly terror that came without announcement.

In light of jittery officials, how were the cricketers expected to come to the city where their most significant landmark to the country itself was under the vicious siege of the terrorists?

The expected happened. Warne was a waiting transit passenger taking the first flight back to where he came from, Australia while his Pakistan team mates in the Rajasthan Royals team that were in Mumbai could only stand and stare as the horror unfolded.

Shane Warne and his mate, Darren Berry (yes, the same individual for whom Warne was said to have sledged Adam Gilchrist in his early days) were on their way to India for the Champions League Twenty20. en route, their stop over involved waiting in the Singapore airport and that is where Warne is said to have watched the television sets with sheer horror and dismay.

Watching the iconic Taj hotel go up in flames, he knew the only thing to do under the circumstances – wait for a plane that would take him straight back home. He was categorical, “We are heading to Mumbai and that [the Taj Mahal] is the hotel we are staying at. I don't think we will be going (to India) now - why would you? It is just not worth the risk. No amount of money is worth the risk with what is going on over there at the moment.”

On the other hand, Sohail Tanvir (the star of the IPL) and Kamran Akmal had already arrived in India and were staying at the Taj Land’s End awaiting their skipper’s arrival. However, it became obvious to them that Mumbai had fallen into the hands of a terror outfit and they did the only thing they could – offer solidarity, solace and support to India because Pakistan knew just how it felt to be strewn apart by the seeds of terrorism and have cricket denied to their region.

The Rajasthan Royals were expected to feature in an eight team mega event that involved teams from South Africa, Australia, Pakistan and England. However, with the tournament now postponed, cricketers and spectators will have to wait before Mumbai’s flames (literal and those seething in angry Mumbaikars) are doused.