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Rediff.com  » Sports » England will tour Zimbabwe: ECB

England will tour Zimbabwe: ECB

April 11, 2004 17:08 IST
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England will tour Zimbabwe this October unless directed otherwise by the government or because of security fears, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chairman David Morgan said.

"The only way that I can see us not fulfilling the tour is either because of government directive or because of safety and security reasons," Morgan told The Independent on Sunday.

"Let me emphasise we don't see them as being issues at the moment."

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A report from ECB management board member Des Wilson this year said moral issues as well as security concerns should be taken into account when considering whether to go ahead with the Zimbabwe tour.

England, under then captain Nasser Hussain, refused to play in Zimbabwe during last year's World Cup because of security concerns.

However, last month the International Cricket Council (ICC) warned England they faced suspension from international cricket and a $2 million fine if they failed to fulfill their tour obligations.

"Although the government has not given us an instruction not to go, they have made it absolutely clear that they disapprove," Morgan said.

"Having said that the consequences of us not fulfilling the commitment would be immense. I am certain that the ECB must not take a political or moral stance, it is for government to do that."

A three-man delegation from Zimbabwe will attend an ECB management board meeting at Lord's on April 20 to discuss the tour.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair's official spokesman said last month the government had serious concerns about Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe's administration but added a final decision still lay with the ECB.

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Source: REUTERS
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