ACB confirms Zimbabwe tour
Australian Cricket Board (ACB) Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland today confirmed that Australia's cricket tour of Zimbabwe would go ahead subject to it being satisfied as to the safety of the team and team management.
"At this time, there is nothing that the ACB is aware of that would warrant us withdrawing from the tour. Nevertheless, we will continue to make regular assessments of what is occurring on the ground to see if circumstances change."
Mr Sutherland outlined the ACB's position on the tour concerning two key areas:
"Player safety is a priority and the ACB has a well developed process on which to obtain up to date information on what is happening in any country the Australian team tours.
This process allows us to make well informed decisions about playing cricket," he said.
The Board's process involves four key steps:
"The ACB is continuing to receive advice from the relevant experts to help the Board make a proper judgement on the situation in Zimbabwe," Mr Sutherland said.
Mr Sutherland said that he was aware of today's advice for Department of Foreign Affairs regarding Zimbabwe and that the ACB would be considering its implications over the coming days.
He also said that following the decision of the Commonwealth to suspend Zimbabwe from the councils for 12 months, the ACB is aware of the debate that has surfaced on the appropriateness for the Australian cricket team to travel to Zimbabwe at this time.
"In considering this issue, it is important to remember that one of our most important roles is to encourage the game within Australia and, in partnership with other national cricket boards, to encourage cricket internationally.
"In the case of Zimbabwe, the country's internal issues have invariably had a significant impact on the sport and cricket in that country is looking to countries such as Australia to help the game survive.
"Cricket is also a powerful force for social cohesion and given the circumstances in Zimbabwe, it is important that international cricket continues to be played in order to promote this cohesion within the community.
"Finally, abandoning the tour on these grounds will only damage the cricket loving population of Zimbabwe and have no effect on those with any capacity to change the political circumstances in the country.
"Provided our people are safe while in Zimbabwe, the ACB sees no reason to justify withdrawing from the tour," he said.
© 2002 Australian Cricket Board
| Teams | Australia, Zimbabwe. |
| Players/Umpires | James Sutherland. |
| Tours | Australia in Zimbabwe |
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