The leader of Zimbabwe's Movement for Democratic Change, Morgan Tsvangirai, has said that he would welcome South Africa and England calling off their proposed tours. Speaking in Cape Town, Tsvangirai said that the South African team, who are due to start their tour on September 7, was not in any danger, despite the deteriorating civil situation in Zimbabwe. He explained that the increased violence was aimed at farmers and was not random but targeted at specific individuals and businesses.

He said that a cancellation would be "a moral thing that would demonstrate that people from the outside world are in solidarity with the problems of Zimbabwe". He added that, "It would send the right signal, but unfortunately it would have minimal effect," explaining that President Mugabe would probably be happy as the government see cricket as a sport run and played mainly by the white population.

Tsvangirai also said that the England should reconsider their tour planned for October. "I think he (Mugabe) would say good riddance, we didn't want the British in this country. It's a personal choice, but any expression of solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe would be welcome."

The South African Cricket Board have said that their tour would only be called off under advice from either the South African government or the Zimbabwe Cricket Union.

In England, a Foreign Office spokesman said that the final decision remained with the English Cricket Board but that "we are obviously very concerned about what is happening."

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