Indian team's security in Brisbane tightened

Brisbane, Dec 15 (IANS) The security around Indian cricketers, currently in Brisbane to play the second Test match of an ongoing series against Australia, was reportedly tightened here owing to a hostage crisis in Sydney.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was keeping a close watch on the events but things are believed to be normal here as far as the team is concerned and there was no immediate threat to the tour.

Reacting to the development, the Indian government Monday termed the cricket team a national treasure with the ministry of external affairs (MEA) stating that every effort will be made to ensure the team's safety.

An armed man Monday had taken around three dozen people hostage at the popular Lindt cafe in Sydney during the Monday morning rush hour and displayed an Islamic flag with Arabic script in the window, raising fears of a terrorist incident.

Later reports said the police had stormed the cafe and many of the hostages had escaped.