The terrorist strikes in India could have significant repercussions for cricket in the region, with a change in risk assessment of the game in India.
England abandoned their one-day tour of India and the future of the planned Test series between the two is in doubt, as is India’s planned tour to Pakistan in 2009.
Insurance experts say that, as a consequence of the terror strikes, the insurance market will significantly increase the premium rate they require to cover the cancellation of sporting events in India.
Jonathan Ticehurst, a sports insurance expert and director of Long Reach insurers, told the UK’s Times newspaper that “Everyone had thought India is a multi-national, multicultural society and apart from the odd specific outrage, life goes on as it does in other parts of the world. I think what the last 24 hours has shown us is that, all of a sudden, India is right in the front line when it comes to terrorism.” Ticehurst was responsible for organising the insurance of the IPL [Indian Premier League].
The worry, say experts, is that with an estimated 70 per cent of the world’s cricket revenues generated in India, the attacks may create a “crisis of confidence” in sports tourism to India and to the region.
Pakistan's cricket chief Ejaz Butt admitted the terror attacks in Mumbai have badly hit the chances of India undertaking a Test tour of Pakistan in January. Butt told Reuters: "Before this tragic incident took place we were pretty confident the Indians would tour. But now the scenario has definitely changed and now it is entirely up to the governments what they decide.
India are due to play three tests, five one-day internationals and a twenty20 game on a tour to Pakistan lasting nearly 46 days. The Indian board is awaiting clearance from its government for the tour, which would be Pakistan's first Test series since December 2007.
