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Government to review hosting series against Zimbabwe

27/01/2008

The government will review whether England should host a series against Zimbabwe scheduled for 2009.

England are set to play two Tests and three one-day internationals against the troubled African country next year.

New culture secretary Andy Burnham revealed the government would meet with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and England cricket chiefs before making a decision.

"It is impossible to separate what has been happening in that country from sport," Mr Burnham told the BBC.

"I want to talk to foreign secretary David Miliband about Zimbabwe."

Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe has been condemned by international leaders for his running of the country. Zimbabwe has the world's highest rate of annual inflation of 8,000 per cent, while just one in five has an official job.

The New Zealand government denied Zimbabwe players entry visas in 2005 while Australia's cricketers refused to tour the country last year.

Meanwhile on the cricket field, Zimbabwe went 3-0 down today in the ODI series against Pakistan after losing by 37 runs in Multan.

Shahid Afridi equalled the world record of total sixes in ODIs. The all-rounder hit five sixes in his innings of 85 to put him level with Sri Lanka's Sanath Jayasuriya career total of 245.

New vice-captain Misbah ul-Haq continued his fine form with 44 as the home side posted 272-9 from their 50 overs.

Zimbabwe were reduced to 235-7 in reply with Sean Williams top-scoring with 71 while Brendan Taylor struck 55. The next match in the five-day series is on Wednesday in Faisalabad.