England's cricketers have until Friday to decide whether to pull out of their tour of India. Here we ask leading Indian cricket figures what they think Ajit Wadekar
Captain who led India to victory over England as well as West Indies in 1971. The moaning is typically English. Either it's the food or the water or the transportation or something else. What fears are they talking about? They should feel more threatened staying in England, which is closer to the United States. India is one of the safest places in the world -- the hospitality is unmatched and the security is top-class. I think basically they are scared of losing on our slow tracks. The tour must go on, and let's hope they don't send a second-grade team as they have so often in the past on some pretext or other.

Tiger Pataudi
One-eyed batsman and long-serving captain of India during the 1960s. He studied at Oxford University and later captained Sussex. I was in England a few days ago and I realise that there is a lot of tension there following the decision to join hands with the United States in the war and I can understand the players' concerns. But I also feel a decision about proceeding with the tour should be left to their Foreign Office and our government. Personally I feel there are no strong reasons to cancel.

EAS Prasanna
Offspinner who took 189 wickets for India in the 1960s and 1970s.

India has always been a very safe country. If anything, given the political climate, staying in Britain will be unsafe. I think England should come here without fears in their mind. The reactions of the players seem more from misinformation than facts.

Dilip Sardesai
Middle-order Indian batsman who made two Test double-centuries in the 1960s and early 1970s. The tour could be dicey, but if the government feels it can go ahead, we should respect their judgment. They know best. All of us have to accept that we are living in the age of terrorism, and that it is something that can strike anywhere, anytime. What can one do to stop a terrorist on a suicide mission? What can one do to such a person sitting in a crowd of 75,000? But frankly, I don't think cricket will be a target.

Roger Binny
Allrounder who played 27 Tests for India between 1979-80 and 1986-87, including four against England. If one were to go by the reaction of the English players that has appeared in the media, then they are better off not coming to India because they simply won't enjoy the tour. I think they have got their geography wrong. Cricket as a sport in India is legendary and troubles take a backseat once the game is on. To me India is a very, very safe place.

Dilip Vengsarkar
No. 3 batsman who scored 6868 runs for India in 116 Tests.

There is really no worry as Afghanistan is far, far away from India which, in any case, is one of the safest places in the world. India is a very hospitable place where people love cricket and cricketers. Foreign cricketers have always had VIP security in India and this time around it will be that much more tighter.

Bishan Bedi
Slow left-armer who took 266 Test wickets for India.

Terrorism is a global phenomenon and one will find this hazard almost everywhere in the world. We have to learn to live with it. The English cricketers should leave it to the establishment to decide if the tour is safe or not. I personally believe there is no need for them to panic and that the tour should go on. It's an international commitment and it should be honoured.

Sanjay Manjrekar
A pivotal batsman who played 37 Tests for India from the late 1980s to the mid 1990s. Now a columnist for Wisden.com.

I honestly believe there shouldn't be two thoughts about England not touring India. I am not saying this because I am an Indian, but because I do believe India is a reasonably safe place.

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