The New Zealand cricketers are facing another security dilemma in their upcoming tour of India and Pakistan.
The side who aborted their previous tour of Pakistan after a suicide bombing and refused to play a World Cup match this year in Nairobi, seem likely to be asked to play the firsttest against India at Ahmedabad - one of the country's most unstable cities. More than 900 people were killed during communal riots in and around Ahmedabad last year, including 58 Hindus who were incinerated when the train in which they were travelling was torched.
The first test against India starting on October 8 was to be played at Kanpur, but the monsoon rains effectively ruined the pitch block, leaving officials no choice but to find an alternative venue.
Although New Zealand Cricket have yet to be notified of the change by their Indian counterparts, officials have already started researching the Ahmedabad venue and it is likely that security expert Reg Dickason will again be consulted.
The second test will be played at Mohali.
* Ross Dykes and Brian McKechnie will continue as selectors as the final make-up of the panel was confirmed yesterday.
NZC announced the reappointment of the pair alongside new coach John Bracewell and previous selection chairman Sir Richard Hadlee.
Interim coach Ashley Ross will join Hadlee, former Auckland wicketkeeper Dykes and former one-day international McKechnie to choose the team for the tours of India and Pakistan.
Bracewell will then take over as selection chairman in December, before the home series against Pakistan.
