The ICC will discuss whether to ban Zimbabwe from international cricket at a meeting in Dubai next week. Political turmoil in Zimbabwe has led to Cricket South Africa severing its sporting ties with the country, prompting the 2 July summit. A ban would prevent Zimbabwe's controversial tour of England for the Twenty20 World Cup next year. ICC president-elect David Morgan said: "I find it appalling there are not free and fair elections in the country." Zimbabwe are set to play two Tests and three home one-day internationals in England early next summer before the Twenty20 World Cup. The regime of President Robert Mugabe has led to calls for the tour to be scrapped but as long as Zimbabwe is a member of the International Cricket Council, the team cannot be stopped from competing in the Twenty20 World Cup. And the sport's governing body has previously made it clear it would take the tournament away from England if it prevented Zimbabwe from touring.
England batsman Andrew Strauss recently said that the side's cricketers would consider boycotting matches against Zimbabwe if Mugabe stayed on as president. But a decision on that front could be taken out of the hands of players depending on what the ICC decide next week. BBC cricket reporter Pat Murphy said: "The impetus has come from Cricket South Africa, which has suspended Zimbabwe from all domestic cricket. "CSA has always been a staunch supporter of Zimbabwe cricket, but I understand the pressure has come from both the South African players and the Government to put the heat on Zimbabwe cricket. "It may well be that Zimbabwe will be barred by the ICC from taking part in next summer's Twenty20 World Cup in England in June." CSA president Norman Arense said: "In the light of the worsening situation in Zimbabwe, CSA has reviewed its position in relation to Zimbabwe cricket. "We have decided to suspend our bilateral agreements with the Zimbabwe Cricket Union until further notice. "In the past, CSA has defended Zimbabwe cricket against heavy odds, but the general situation in Zimbabwe has now made this untenable." CSA's announcement has been welcomed by former Zimbabwe captain now England assistant coach Andy Flower.
Flower famously ended his international career when he and team-mate Henry Olonga wore black armbands to mourn the "death of democracy" in his country in Zimbabwe's opening match of the 2003 Cricket World Cup. Under the current circumstances it is the Government's view that the tour by Zimbabwe would clearly be unwelcome.
England batsman Andrew Strauss recently said that the side's cricketers would consider boycotting matches against Zimbabwe if Mugabe stayed on as president. But a decision on that front could be taken out of the hands of players depending on what the ICC decide next week. BBC cricket reporter Pat Murphy said: "The impetus has come from Cricket South Africa, which has suspended Zimbabwe from all domestic cricket. "CSA has always been a staunch supporter of Zimbabwe cricket, but I understand the pressure has come from both the South African players and the Government to put the heat on Zimbabwe cricket. "It may well be that Zimbabwe will be barred by the ICC from taking part in next summer's Twenty20 World Cup in England in June." CSA president Norman Arense said: "In the light of the worsening situation in Zimbabwe, CSA has reviewed its position in relation to Zimbabwe cricket. "We have decided to suspend our bilateral agreements with the Zimbabwe Cricket Union until further notice. "In the past, CSA has defended Zimbabwe cricket against heavy odds, but the general situation in Zimbabwe has now made this untenable." CSA's announcement has been welcomed by former Zimbabwe captain now England assistant coach Andy Flower.
Flower famously ended his international career when he and team-mate Henry Olonga wore black armbands to mourn the "death of democracy" in his country in Zimbabwe's opening match of the 2003 Cricket World Cup. Under the current circumstances it is the Government's view that the tour by Zimbabwe would clearly be unwelcome.
"During the apartheid years, sporting sanctions had a strong effect (for change) in South Africa. "Although I don't think they would have the same effect on Zimbabwe, the principles are the same. A principled stance should be taken and do what's right." The 13 directors on the ICC executive board will meet to decide on what action to take and Morgan added: "Cricket South Africa's decision yesterday is hugely significant. Clearly they will want something done. "They're very influential in terms of southern African cricket and Zimbabwe is part of that. Quite where the various (ICC) members will stand on it, I really don't know." The Government would have "serious concerns" about a visit by the Zimbabwe team, Downing Street said on Tuesday. Prime Minister Gordon Brown's spokesman said: "Under the current circumstances it is the Government's view that the tour would clearly be unwelcome."
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