The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : “Barmy Army” voices hope

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“Barmy Army” voices hope

London: England cricket supporters should not be put off travelling to India by the Mumbai attacks, a spokesman for the unofficial “Barmy Army” fan club said on Thursday.

Paul Winslow recalled that suicide bombings in London three years ago did not deter fans, voicing hope that Test matches would go ahead in India despite the deadly attacks that have killed more than 100 people.

“It is worth remembering that just a few weeks after the 7/7 attacks we sat at Lord’s watching England play,” he said referring to the July 7, 2005 bombings which killed 56 in London, including four suicide bombers.

“I only hope everything is done to try and make this tour happen — not just for our fans but for everyone in Mumbai. London did not grind to a halt in 2005 so why should they?” he added.

England abandoned its one-day series in India following the attacks in Mumbai, and talks began aimed at salvaging the two subsequent Test matches, one of which is due to be played in the city from December 19.

Winslow said: “The overwhelming point for me is that we are all intending to go ahead with our trips to Mumbai. There is an argument that if the fans can go, so should the players. “This first decision would appear understandable, but I think the ECB should consider its position very carefully before thinking about cancelling the entire tour.” — PTI

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