England’s cricket tour of Zimbabwe received the go-ahead on Wednesday when officials said they are satisfied with security arrangements in the African country.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) sent a delegation to Zimbabwe last week to assess the conditions for next month’s tour.
”We have satisfied ourselves that appropriate safety and security measures will be in place to protect the England touring party and officials,” ECB chairperson David Morgan said.
”We are also concerned about the safety and security of travelling supporters and the media, and we concluded that Zimbabwe will provide a safe environment provided that they adhere to the government’s specific travel advice.”
Morgan will join England on their 12-day tour, which begins on November 26. England are scheduled to play five one-day internationals in Zimbabwe before a five-Test series in South Africa.
England’s tour to Zimbabwe has been dogged by controversy all year.
One England star, fast bowler Steve Harmison, refused to be considered for the tour on moral grounds, in protest at the regime of President Robert Mugabe.
There’s also the poor state of Zimbabwe cricket after lengthy disputes between players and selectors. Former captain Heath Streak and 14 white colleagues quit in a dispute over alleged racism in squad selection, which left the team staffed by young, inexperienced players.
The International Cricket Council cleared the Zimbabwe Cricket Union of racism on October 17.
England boycotted their Cricket World Cup fixture in Zimbabwe last year, citing risks to their team and fans due to the nation’s political and economic turmoil.
The ECB decided against pulling out of this tour because of further risks of fines and suspension by the International Cricket Council. — Sapa-AP