T20 Cricket News

Three days after he expressed reservations about flying to India due to security concerns, the England batsman Ravi Bopara arrived in Chandigarh to link up with Kings XI Punjab. Bopara had delayed his arrival in India over concerns about the contents of security advisor Reg Dickason's report, which had named Al Qaeda group Brigade 313 as a possible threat to the IPL, but Lalit Modi, the league's commissioner, had been quick to say Bopara would play.

While both Bopara and the franchise were tight-lipped about the sudden turnaround in Bopara's participation, the England batsman's presence at a promotional event in Chandigharh, the team's headquarters, was enough to satisfy Punjab. "His arrival means he is willing to play," said Punjab CEO Anil Srivatsa when answering a question as to whether the franchise has sought a reason for Bopara's earlier comments to the Mail on Sunday. "We have not asked him any explanation for his comments in England as there is now no need."

Bopara, who was bought for $450,000 at the 2009 auction, is one of eight England cricketers involved in IPL 2010.

Brett Lee, who is recovering from an elbow surgery, also arrived in India and bowled a few overs in the nets. "Our physio Patrick Farhat has met him and he is still doing rehab," explained Col. Arvinder Singh, Punjab's vice-president. "We will wait for his fitness status till March 11 and then decide."

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