England's cricketers have been reassured that they will not be discriminated against if they decide not to travel to India. Chairman of selectors David Graveney said that anyone who opted out would not be penalised. "If an individual misses the tour the only risk is that it gives an opportunity to somebody else, as happened to Thorpe a couple of years ago. It will not be held against them." They will, however, lose out on about £25,000 which they would otherwise earn from the trip.

Graveney added that he had every sympathy with the players. "I am sure there are a lot of reservations and I can understand the concerns. It is important that players are made aware of the full facts. They will listen to what is said and make decisions with their families."

Several players, Nasser Hussain, Andy Caddick and allrounder Craig White among them, are worried of reprisals because of the US-led attacks on Afghanistan.

A BBC survey of the players showed that the squad was divided but that few appeared to have made up their minds.

England are due to play three Tests starting in December before returning in January for five one-day internationals. There had been speculation that the Indian authorities would consider moving the two Tests which are due to be played in the north of the country, but BCCI secretary Niranjan Shah insisted that this was not an option. "We are not moving any venues," he said on Monday.

The tour seemed unlikely to go ahead last week after the British Foreign Office advised Europeans in India to keep a low profile because of the tension in the region.

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