India is safe, Aus cricketers should play in IPL: Dwyer

The ongoing hockey World Cup proved India is perfectly safe for visitors and the Australian cricketers should put aside their security apprehensions and play in the Indian Premier League, star Kookaburra player Jamie Dwyer said in New Delhi.

The ongoing hockey World Cup proved India is perfectly safe for visitors and the Australian cricketers should put aside their security apprehensions and play in the Indian Premier League, star Kookaburra player Jamie Dwyer said in New Delhi on Thursday.

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Dwyer, the 2009 FIH World Player of the Year, said he too had security fears before arriving here for the World Cup but his views have now completely changed and he would advise the Australian cricketers to come here and play in IPL without any fear.

"So many things were written in the media and that led to our perception of security fears. But once we reached here in India it was perfectly all right. It is perfectly fine here and we have no security issues," Dwyer said after his side mauled South Africa 12-0 at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium.

"I think I would suggest Ricky Ponting and his team-mates to come in Indian and play in IPL," he said.

Even though retired players like Shane Warne and Matthew Hayden have confirmed playing in the IPL, some of Cricket Australia's contracted players have developed a cold feet about travelling to India because of security apprehensions.