It is not good for the game and the country's image. We are going to host the Commonwealth Games and England will have a big contingent.'

India's top contender Saina Nehwal felt it was knee-jerk reaction from England.

'I think they have overreacted. They did not come in the Indian Open also. I think the security arrangements are fine and there should not be any problem for the outsiders,' she said.

Commissioner Of Police Prabhakar Reddy, too, played down the fears.

'There is no specific threat to the World Championships. We are fully prepared to meet any eventuality. There is no threat to the safety of the players. We have deployed force in adequate numbers and have taken all possible measures. The entire security plan is in place and we are quite confident that the event will go on smoothly,' he said.

Asked whether any team asked for extra security cover after the developments, Reddy said: 'As of now, nobody has demanded extra security cover. But if there is such a request from any player or team, we will evaluate the situation and take a call.'

Badminton Association of Indian (BAI) president V.K. Verma said: 'England's pullout will not take the sheen out of the tournament. In no way it is going to affect the quality of the competition. Earlier, there were 43 teams competing, now it will be one less. Though I admit the morale of the players could be a bit low.'