Security to be tightened

Independent security consultant Reg Dickason (pictured), who also inspected cricket venues in Chennai and Mohali before England's Test series against India, will inspect the venue in the southern city for the January 5-11 event and the players will receive a briefing.

"In the wake of the Mumbai events and the various travel advisories put out by countries, one is being careful in terms of security," the official, who did not wish to be identified, told Reuters.

Security concerns have heightened following last month's three-day siege in India's financial capital which killed 179 people.

England's cricket team suspended their tour following the attacks but returned after they were given tight security, including commando protection, and the test matches were shifted out of the original venues.

Russian world number five Nikolay Davydenko heads the field in the $450,000 event that also features Spain's former number one Carlos Moya, a previous winner in Chennai.