Concerns over England tour of India

England's tour of India this year will not go ahead if the players' safety is at risk, England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Ian MacLaurin said on Monday.

"Our players will not be risked. You can be sure our players' safety is paramount," MacLaurin told BBC Radio Four.

New Zealand have already cancelled a tour of Pakistan scheduled this month after the September 11 attacks on New York and Washington and the subsequent U.S.-led bombing on Afghanistan.

MacLaurin said the tour, starting in November, would not proceed if there was any chance the players would be harmed.

"They are our prime asset and we'll look after them to the best of our ability," he said.

Mail Cricket Editor