Scotland turn down Zimbabwe match

Richie Berrington will not have the chance to face Zimbabwe

By Geoff Webster

The Scottish cricket team will not travel to Zimbabwe for their ICC Intercontinental Cup match.

The decision has been made following advice from the UK Government and is backed by the Scottish Government.

The game had been scheduled for a neutral African venue but three months ago Zimbabwe was permitted to host it.

Cricket Scotland chief executive Roddy Smith said: "As a responsible governing body we could not contravene the unequivocal advice from Government."

The International Cricket Council overturned its decision to force Zimbabwe to play its matches in a neutral country. It had originally been banned from hosting matches because of the economic and political situation in the country.

"It is hugely unfortunate that Cricket Scotland has been put in an impossible no-win situation in regard to the potential tour to Zimbabwe," said Smith.

"Both the UK and Scottish Governments were clear in their advice to us.

"Our Board has taken cognisance of all the advice and recommendations from Government and the ICC, and can only take what we believe is the correct course of action.

We strongly advise Scottish sports teams against visiting Zimbabwe Scottish Government statement

"We hope that the Scotland team can look forward to playing in Zimbabwe again in the future if and when Government policy allows."

The UK coalition government told Cricket Scotland: "The Government is firmly of the view that there has not yet been sufficient progress in Zimbabwe on the fundamental issues of political reform and of re-establishing the rule of law to justify sports tours by British teams and the positive signal that would send.

"We therefore strongly advise against such visits.

"We recognise that the final decision is for the relevant Cricket Boards, but hope they will consider their decisions carefully in the light of our unequivocal advice."

The Scottish Government supports the stance of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, stating: "We strongly advise Scottish sports teams against visiting Zimbabwe."

It is not known yet what punishment, if any, Scotland will face from the game's governing body, the ICC, for refusing to travel.

An ICC spokesman said: "We will look at the decision by Cricket Scotland. We will then come up with a plan of action and see what way we can try to find a solution to this."

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