McLean Park quick to react following attack

Cricket authorities upgraded security at Napier's McLean Park as soon as the story of the attack in Pakistan broke.

New Zealand Cricket spokesman Stephen Hill said NZC got a call from Indian cricket authorities during the game, asking for more security.

Mr Hill said more guards were brought in immediately.

He said he was not aware of any direct threats against Indian cricketers in New Zealand.

Mr Hill said the Blackcaps were shocked to hear of the news. He said some of them know Sri Lankan players and were in Pakistan in 2002 when a bomb went off near the team's hotel, killing 12 and injuring 34.

A dozen men used rifles, grenades and rocket launchers to attack a bus and van carrying the Sri Lankan team and match officials to Gaddafi Stadium for the third day of the second test match last night. Seven players and a coach were injured and six police officers and a civilian were killed.

Two Sri Lankan players were treated in hospital. Six other members of the touring party had minor injuries, none life-threatening. The tour was immediately cancelled and the Sri Lankan team was returning to Colombo.

Indian board president Shashank Manohar said he'd asked team manager Niranjan Shah to put the security request to New Zealand Cricket.

"I've spoken to Shah to take extra precautions regarding the players' safety and security," Press Trust of India quoted Manohar as saying in the central city of Nagpur.

- NZ HERALD STAFF, AP