.
The match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians was delayed due to two bomb explosions outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore.

Mumbai, led by Sachin Tendulkar, India's best-known player, was to take on hosts Bangalore in the IPL encounter which was scheduled to start at 4pm.

The blasts were of low intensity, according to the police.

One security guard was injured seriously in the explosion.

"It's a minor incident in the generator room," Sudhakar Rao, the assistant secretary of the Karnataka Cricket Association, said.

"No need to worry."

But the attack and the US warnings will only add to fears that the Commonwealth Games will be a major target for terrorists.

A blast in the western city of Pune killed 17 people in February, the first major militant strike since the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

"The US Government continues to receive information that terrorist groups may be planning attacks in India," the US Department of State said in the latest travel advice to its citizens.

Islamists militant groups from Pakistan have threatened to carry out attacks ahead of the Games, which are due to open on October 3, and during the IPL involving foreign players from many countries, Indian security officials said.

"Hotels, markets, trains and other public places in India are especially attractive targets for terrorist groups," the advisory on its website says.

"Terrorists and their sympathizers have demonstrated their willingness and capability to attack targets where US citizens or Westerners are known to congregate or visit."

Last month, India said it was tightening security on its luxury trains frequented by foreign tourists following warnings about a possible militant strike.

Security in and around nuclear installations and oil facilities are also being increased, two days after police recovered and defused a powerful bomb on a train traveling to India's capital, stirring fears about an attack.

"Security is being tightened everywhere," Rakesh Maria, head of the Anti-Terrorist Squad said from Mumbai.

"We are very, very alert."

Britain also continued to urge its citizens to be careful during their stay in India, saying foreigners are targets by militants in a travel advisory.

Foreign tourists at two plush hotels and a Jewish center were among the several targets attacked by 10 gunmen in last November's militant strike on Mumbai, in which 166 people were killed.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
April 2010: Commonwealth Games in Delhi will be wonderful predicts Hooper
March 2010: Confidence in Delhi security growing claims CGF chief
February 2010: Australia comfortable with security in India Foreign Minister claims
February 2010: England trying to shrug off Delhi security concerns
February 2010: Metropolitan Police insist England in no danger in Delhi