New Delhi: Expressing serious concern over the attack on the houses of Indian cricketers and burning of their posters and effigies for their "dismal performance" in the World Cup in South Africa, members in Lok Sabha on Tuesday unanimously asked the government to provide full protection to them and their families. After a 10-minute impromptu discussion on the issue, Speaker Manohar Joshi directed the government to ensure that the players were given "fullest protection" so that they played without any worry and perform better in the remaining matches. Disapproving of the attack on their houses, Joshi said, "They should be given fullest protection so that their minds are free and they do better. We wish them good luck." This message would be sent to the Indian team, Joshi said when Communist Party of India - Marxist (CPM) leader Somnath Chatterjee said a message should be sent across to them that the entire nation was with them. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member and former Test player Kirti Azad, one of the selectors of the Indian team, said it could still make it to the Super Six round if it won the remaining matches. Recalling that he was a member of the Indian team which won the 1983 World Cup, Azad said it was really atrocious the way India batted against Australia. Nothing should be done to put players under pressure, he said, adding the issue of who should open the innings and who should bat lower down should be left to the team management. Extras:
Sehwag to join Tendulkar at top, Ganguly to bat at four

Tags: cricket, new delhi, serious concern, attack, houses of indian cricketers, burning, posters, effigies, dismal performance, world cup, south africa, members, lok sabha, government, provide full protection, speaker manohar joshi, matches, former test player kirti azad, selectors, super six round, australia.