Hyderabad, Aug 9 - England team Sunday withdrew from the World Badminton Championships, beginning here Monday, over reports of a specific Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist threat.

Badminton England said they were not prepared to take such a risk to the safety of their players.

'This was an incredibly tough decision and one we didn't take lightly. After the Olympic Games, this is the most prestigious championships in the world, but we were not prepared to risk the safety of our players, coaches and staff in what we felt could have been a very volatile environment,' Adrian Christy, chief executive, said on Badminton England website.

'We are extremely grateful for the speed in which the BWF (Badminton World Federation) and the Organising Committee reacted to the concerns following the threat. We have carefully considered the comments made by the local police authorities and we know that they have the best interest of all competitors in mind,' he added.

Christy said the organisation reached the decision after advice from the Foreign Office and British high commission.

'We have also listened to the advice from the Foreign Office and British high commission. We have been in constant dialogue with them over the past couple of days.'

'The conclusion is that safety is of paramount importance and therefore, with great regret, the team will be returning home immediately,' he said.

India's No.1 women player Saina Nehwal called England's pullout 'unfortunate'.

'The tournament will not be affected by any terror perception. It is unfortunate that England team has decided to go back. They have not been seen practicing,' Sania said.

A top Indian badminton official claimed that some of the English players had already left in the morning and others will leave by Sunday night.

Ian Moss, England Performance Director, said: 'It is a disappointing outcome, especially after we had enjoyed a very good preparation at our holding camp in Doha, Qatar, last week.