Haroon Lorgat, the International Cricket Council chief executive, yesterday urged England to return to India for next month's two-Test series.
Haroon Lorgat, the International Cricket Council chief executive, yesterday urged England to return to India for next month's two-Test series.
The tour is in doubt following the terrorist attacks in Mumbai last week that killed 174 people.
The squad arrived back in London on Saturday after the final two one-day internationals were postponed, but they are due to return for the first Test starting on December 11 in Ahmedabad. That could now be moved to Kolkata with the second match having been switched from Mumbai to Chennai already.
The England and Wales Cricket Board are taking security advice and expect a decision to be made about the future of the tour within the next 48 hours.
After expressing his horror at the events, Lorgat said: "If safety and security allow then I would urge the England Test tour of India to go ahead and if it does so then representatives of the ICC will be there to show solidarity with the competing teams.
"And if those Tests are played I would also urge supporters of the game to attend them as that will be the best way to send a message to those who seek to disrupt our way of life, that we will not be prevented from doing what we want or what we enjoy.
"I have written to the Board of Control for Cricket in India pledging whatever support the ICC can offer to help ensure that, if appropriate, cricket goes ahead. I have also written to the England and Wales Cricket Board with a similar offer of support and solidarity."
Lorgat also revealed issues of safety and security will be addressed at next week's ICC chief executives' committee meeting in Cape Town.
The ECB and the BCCI have discussed a number of ways forward but a neutral venue such as Abu Dhabi looks like one which will not be pursued.
The favoured option currently is thought to be for the team to head straight for the city in which they will play the first Test - be it Ahmedabad or Kolkata - and play a two-day warm-up game at an alternative ground to the Test.
Hugh Morris, the ECB managing director, insisted England will be going back to India if it is deemed safe to do so but admitted it may not be a first-choice side.
The ECB and captain Kevin Pietersen have already confirmed no player will be forced to return to the country.
Morris said: "If the security advice suggests it is a safe environment, we will be playing two Test matches.
The support we've had in India has been incredible. Cricket is a galvanising force in that country, and that's got to be taken into account as well."
Asked about the possibility of top players refusing to go back, Morris added: "Clearly, we would have to potentially face that issue."
Morris has been in constant contact with the Professional Cricketers' Association and players' advisors. He has had informal talks with the players and they have agreed that no final decision will be made until all the security advice - which will be shared with the PCA - has come in.
