Controversies cloud Indian Premier League (IPL) 2009. There are serious concerns about the safety of IPL cricketers. But, IPL management’s stakes in these matches are high. Big money ensured big assurances. The long shadows of terrorist attacks in Lahore on Sri Lanka cricket team and before that the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, raised serious concerns about the lives and limbs of international cricketers? The international community was confused. To them, Lahore and Mumbai terror attacks were hyphenated. This fear was echoed in India, in some quarters, albeit differently. The Union Home minister P Chaidambaram had earlier suggested that the IPL matches be postponed till after the general elections, as it would require a large deployment of security forces. Later, however, the Home ministry gave clearance after talks with IPL management. IPL match schedules were jigged. Lalit Modi, IPL chairman said, "After the Lahore incident, we are planning to increase the security budget this as much as ten times. The emphasis will be on increasing number of private security personnel as well as policemen.” The West Bengal police department has demanded additional companies of central and paramilitary forces to ensure safe conduct of the IPL season two matches. Foolproof security for cricketers is expensive. It calls for extraordinary deployment of police manpower, especially in India. A cloud of uncertainty still hangs on IPL 2009 matches, though the decision is expected soon. All said and done, it would be 40-day headache for the IPL 2009 bosses. God forbid, despite better security arrangements, as assured, IPL match schedules could go haywire if the fuse if blown off. The entire nation, rather the world, would be watching the nail-biting IPL season two matches, hoping that IPL players remain safe and sound. The silver lining on the dark cloud is that the BCCI chief Sharad Pawar supported Modi. For most cricket lovers, the sport had won! What’s your take on this? How safe are the IPL 2009 cricket matches in India?