Parliamentarians call for security for Indian team

NEW DELHI, Feb 18 AFP - The Indian parliament today called for security for the country's cricket team which is facing the ire of fans after a poor showing at the World Cup.

The subject came up for discussion in the lower house after disgruntled fans threw oil and paint at the house of batsman Mohammad Kaif on Sunday in the northern town of Allahabad.

Members of his family, who were asleep during the incident, have requested security.

The protest came after India lost to world champions Australia on Saturday and are now struggling to keep their place in the tournament.

Security has also been stepped up around captain Sourav Ganguly's sprawling residence in Kolkata, with pedestrians barred from walking on the pavement in front of it, witnesses said.

Opposition Congress MP Priya Ranjan Dasmunshi demanded full security for top cricketers and their relatives.

He said instead of fans deriding the team, "we should collectively pray for victory in the remaining matches."

Speaker Manohar Joshi agreed.

"They should be given fullest protection so that their minds are free and they do better. We wish them good luck," Joshi said.

"We should send a message from this house telling them 'cheer up boys'," said communist party MP Roopchand Pal.

Former cricketer and ruling BJP MP Kirti Azad said the heated debate on whether batsman Virendra Sehwag should open with Sachin Tendulkar instead of Ganguly who appears out of form, should be left to the cricketers.

"Nothing should be done to put players under pressure," Azad said. "The issue of who should open the innings and who should bat lower down should be left to the team management."

On Monday, President Abdul Kalam, in his session-opening speech to parliament, wished the cricket team every success - a comment which was met with derisive laughter from some MPs.