IPL should involve FICA in security management: New Zealand Cricket

New Zealand Cricket wants the Indian Premier League authorities to involve FICA in the security management of the Twenty20 event as it feels the Black Caps will not be convinced until the international players' body is involved.

The Kiwi players are in a dilemma whether to head to India for the event starting April 10 without getting necessary safety information from the Federation of International Cricketers Association (FICA).

"If the players association is not the funnel, then how does that information get to the players?" NZC chief executive Justin Vaughan was quoted as saying by the New Zealand Herald.

"We're still trying to figure it out and it's quite an awkward position we find ourselves in, but we'll find a solution."

Seven Kiwi players - captain Daniel Vettori, vice-captain Brendon McCullum, Ross Taylor, Heath Mills, Jesse Ryder, Jacob Oram and Scott Styris - have signed contracts with different IPL franchises to play in the cash-rich event.

However, the recent terror attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore has raised serious security concerns for foreign players participating in the event and it has been further compounded by India's general elections that clash with the tournament.

Although, the IPL has assured the security of players, the NZC is far from being convinced. "India appreciate (the situation) in the wake of what happened in Lahore but just a simple 'trust us, it'll be okay', doesn't cut it," Vaughan said.

"In the end we just want to get the best for our players, get the level of comfort and information they need to be satisfied with how the IPL is going to operate," he added.