Keep off Zimbabwe matches, governments told
Dec 31, 2002
JOHANNESBURG - Governments and not sports authorities should decide whether to allow their cricket teams to play in Zimbabwe during the World Cup, tournament, executive director Ali Bacher said on Monday.
JOHANNESBURG - Governments and not sports authorities should decide whether to allow their cricket teams to play in Zimbabwe during the World Cup, tournament, executive director Ali Bacher said on Monday.
“It's my opinion that you cannot expect cricket boards or sporting bodies to make a political decision of this magnitude,†Bacher told Reuters. “That decision should rest with the respective governments.â€
Both the Australian and British governments have urged their teams not to play in Zimbabwe, but said the decision ultimately lay with the countries’ respective cricketing boards.
South Africa is hosting the World Cup, which begins on February 9, but six of the tournament's 54 matches are being played in Zimbabwe.
England, Namibia, India, Australia, the Netherlands and Pakistan are all due to play a match each there.
“It's my opinion that you cannot expect cricket boards or sporting bodies to make a political decision of this magnitude,†Bacher told Reuters. “That decision should rest with the respective governments.â€
Both the Australian and British governments have urged their teams not to play in Zimbabwe, but said the decision ultimately lay with the countries’ respective cricketing boards.
South Africa is hosting the World Cup, which begins on February 9, but six of the tournament's 54 matches are being played in Zimbabwe.
England, Namibia, India, Australia, the Netherlands and Pakistan are all due to play a match each there.