Dubai, Dec. 16 : ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat has sent a message of congratulation and gratitude to the India and England teams after a hard-fought and exciting Test match in Chennai, played in trying circumstances.

"I have been in touch with both the BCCI and ECB since the end of the match to thank them for what was a great advertisement for cricket," an ICC press release quoted Lorgat, as saying.

"There was a lot of debate before this game as to whether it would even go ahead because of the terrible events in Mumbai recently. Last week, I was convinced that the right thing to do was for the match to take place and now I'm glad that we have witnessed a great game of cricket," Lorgat added.

"Although India takes the plaudits for winning the match, thanks and congratulations are also due to Kevin Pietersen and his team who played so well while under enormous pressure from forces over which they could exert no control. I was very impressed with their attitude and today I can say I am especially proud to be involved in this great game.

"Sport has the ability to make a difference in our society and over the past few days these two cricket teams have fought back and demonstrated great unity in a world rocked by conflict and division.

"I have no doubt the England players will be very disappointed after this match but they have a huge amount of which to be proud. They clearly have plenty of character and courage so I hope they can pick themselves up and go to Mohali for the second Test with lots to play for."

Immediately following the attacks in Mumbai, the England squad went home but following intensive security assessments they bravely returned to fulfil the Test fixtures.

"This may be a lesson for the future, too," said Lorgat.

"We must always try to look at the bigger picture when external events intervene as in this case. Provided it is safe to do so, the show must always go on. We must stand together and rise above these forces that threaten our game and our way of life," he said. (ANI)