The security of the Indian cricket team currently touring Australia was today significantly beefed up in the wake of the hostage crisis in Sydney.
Extra security was deployed for the team which is preparing for the second Test match starting in this eastern coast city on Wednesday.
In New Delhi, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said Australian authorities have conveyed to the government that the team's security has been enhanced.
"Indian Cricket team is a national treasure and no effort will be spared to ensure their security. We have been in touch with the Australian Authorities who have confirmed to us that they have significantly beefed up the security (of the team)," he said.
The Spokesperson said the Australian authorities told the government that strict security will be ensured during the team's stay in Australia.
BCCI said it was keeping a close watch on the unfolding events there.
"We are constantly in touch with Cricket Australia top bosses. We are monitoring the situation closely and security of our players is paramount. The players are in Brisbane and everything is normal there," BCCI Secretary Sanjay Patel told PTI.
"However, the security of the Indian team has been beefed up considerably. We have been informed by Cricket Australia that additional police forces have been deployed with the Indian team. We are happy with what CA has arranged," he added.
An armed man today took undisclosed number of people including an Indian techie at Lindt Chocolate Cafe in Martin Place in Sydney and forced to display an Islamic flag, triggering a security alert and an evacuation of nearby buildings, including the Indian consulate in the city.
