England's Zimbabwe tour in doubt
LONDON, England -- England's cricket tour to Zimbabwe, scheduled for later this year, could be canceled in protest at Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe's regime.
The England Cricket Board is considering a report by its corporate affairs and marketing chairman Des Wilson which argues that the tour could justifiably be called off on moral grounds.
"Can we tour this country knowing what we do about its stance on human rights and the suffering of its people?" the report concluded.
"The security of a touring party can in today's circumstances no longer be the only factor in deciding whether or not to proceed with a controversial tour."
British newspapers said the tour was almost certain to be canceled.
Last year England boycotted a World Cup match against Zimbabwe, although the International Cricket Council refused to recognize their concerns over security, docking them World Cup points and withholding $4 million of their share of tournament revenues.
Both ICC and ECB rules only allow for tours or matches to be canceled on security grounds.
"We are aware of media speculation concerning England's tour to Zimbabwe, but there has been no formal advice from the ECB to clarify the matter," said Zimbabwe Cricket Union (ZCU)chairman Peter Chingoka.
"Obviously we expect the tour to go ahead. There is no doubt that relations between the boards and other nations were strained by England's refusal to play the World Cup game in Harare. It would be extremely disappointing from our point of view if England were to now revisit its position on this tour."
ICC president Ehsan Mani and chief executive Malcolm Speed met with England officials on Tuesday.
"All test playing countries, including England, have given a binding commitment to each other that political considerations would not be a factor when reviewing playing obligations and this commitment was discussed during the meeting," Mani said.
Mani added that the ZCU could take the ECB to the ICC's disputes resolution committee for compensation or pursue legal action if England withdrew "for reasons other than safety and security".
"The ICC's role is now to ensure that both parties are treated fairly and equally as this process unfolds and to assist both parties in exploring all options that might be available to allow the tour to go ahead," Mani said.
The ECB's director of corporate affairs, John Read, said the "very thorough" report did not mean the Zimbabwe tour would be canceled.
"The thing to stress is that the ultimate decision will be the responsibility of the management board and no decision has yet been made," Read said. "As things stand at the moment it is our intention to go."
British Prime Minister Tony Blair's official spokesman said the ECB had asked for advice on touring Zimbabwe.
"What we will do is give them an objective assessment of the situation, both the political situation and the security situation, both of which have deteriorated since last year," said the spokesman, speaking on the customary condition of anonymity.
"But it will be a matter for the ECB, as it was last year."
