High court orders notice to Union government and BCCI

MADURAI: In the wake of the tragic deaths of Australian batsman Phillip Hughes and Israeli umpire Hillel Oscar after being struck by cricket balls last week, a petition was filed in the Madras high court, seeking adequate safety measures for Indian cricketers.
The court on Tuesday ordered notices to the Union secretary of culture, youth and sports affairs and the BCCI chairman. The petition sought an interim injunction, restraining the Indian cricket team from touring Australia until the Government came up with adequate safety measures.
K Praveen Kumar of Pudukottai filed the petition in the Madurai bench of the HC stating that four deaths, caused by cricket balls, have been recorded since 1870. Despite precautions like helmets and rib pads, cricketers lost their lives after being hit by balls. Therefore, the ministry of culture, youth and sports affairs should reconsider allowing Indians to participate in national and international cricket matches, the petitioner said.