Modi scotches rumours of Warne's pull-out

New Delhi: IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi on Thursday rubbished reports that Rajasthan Royals’ skipper Shane Warne – along with teammates Shane Watson and Graeme Smith – was quitting the tournament due to the bomb blasts in Jaipur, saying that the trio was already on its way to the Pink City for the next match there.

“All Australian players and the team is now going to play in Jaipur tomorrow. We are looking forward to it. Yes, they were little bothered but now they are assured. They are on their way to the city,” Modi said.

Rajasthan Royals will take on Bangalore Royal Challengers in a home encounter this Saturday.

According to media reports in Australia, Warne, Watson and South African skipper Smith were considering quitting the tournament after the Jaipur serial blasts that claimed more than 60 lives on Tuesday.

Assuring that there will be no compromise on security, Modi said the players’ accommodation and the Sawai Mansingh Stadium would be completely cordoned off.

“I am not at liberty to describe security arrangements but yes, We have the security arrangements beefed up. We are requesting everybody to come in the stadium without bags, lighters, matches or bottles. Also the players’ area would be totally cordoned off and nobody would be allowed to go near the players,” he said.

When asked if there was any hesitation among the players, Modi said although the cricketers were a little apprehensive earlier but were quite comfortable now.

“They were in fear about what the situation was. They were looking at media reports and at what was happening. When they came to know about all the arrangements that have been made on the ground, they were quite comfortable and happy with,” Modi said.

Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals CEO Fraser Castellino said the franchise was in touch with the IPL and the state agencies and was satisfied with the security arrangements.

“We are working closely with IPL and the state government agencies. We had sniffer dog squads and bomb disposal squads covering the stadium and outer perimeter areas, so we are taking it seriously,” Castellino said.

“Security is a concern but we are satisfied that sufficient steps are being taken to look into the matter and ensure that no untoward incident happens,” he added.