New India tour warning for England

"It would be wise for the England team to show solidarity with those civilians of Afghanistan who lost their lives, to show the whole Muslim world they are against the killing of civilians, by saying, 'We are not going'. That would send a clear message to the Muslim world that a large proportion of the British people are against the killing of civilians."

Hamza added: " The Afghans don't have much influence in India. The risk will come from Muslim sympathisers inside India.

"The political situation inside India is that it can explode at any time and England could get caught up in it. India is a country run by bribes.

"It is no good saying 'but this is only sport'. Let us not forget that young children of Afghanistan, who were probably playing sport, have been killed by the American warplanes.

"There can be no safety guarantees, this year, next year, whenever. People don't get hit when they expect to be hit. It can come suddenly, at any time.

"That is why it would be very good for the English team to show solidarity with the civilians of Afghanistan and to say, 'We are not going because we are against the killing of civilians'."

Hamza's comments are contrary to Government advice. Last week, British High Commissioner Sir Rob Young reassured the tour party that India was a safe place to play cricket.

John Carr, the ECB director of cricket operations, and Tim O'Gorman, of the Professional Cricketers' Association, have flown to India to run a security check over hotels and match venues. However, they are on a 48-hour visit to New Delhi and Calcutta, two cities which are not on England's three-Test itinerary.

Carr will reveal his findings to Tim Lamb, the ECB chief executive, and to the players on his return next week.

Andrew Caddick and Robert Croft, the two players who have decided to stay at home, have been fully supported in their decision by England captain Nasser Hussain.