Zimbabwean cricket chiefs have said they are "terribly disappointed" at Australia's cancellation of next month's tour to Zimbabwe, but remained hopeful that the trip might still take place. Paul Chingoka, president of the Zimbabwe Cricket Union (ZCU), told a news conference that the board had received the news of the cancellation "with a very heavy heart".

"We are obviously terribly disappointed with this development and we are working vigorously to have the travel restrictions ... lifted," said Chingoka, adding that the ministry of sports and the country's sports and recreation commission were "being very helpful" in the matter.

"We have always been in constant touch with the Austrialia Cricket Board and given them assurances that it's extremely safe for their team to tour Zimbabwe at this stage. We still remain very hopeful as a union as there is still good time to restore the tour," Chingoka said, ruling out the possibility of moving the tour to a third country.

"That is totally out of the question. We still believe it is extremely safe for Australians to visit Zimbabwe at this time. We stand ready to receive the Australians. We hope we will be able to persuade the Australian High Commission (in Harare) to withdraw their advisory." This had also cautioned Australians living in Zimbabwe to stay away from public gatherings.

Chingoka said the Australians had committed themselves to undertake the tour within 24 months. Despite the tour being two weeks away, Chingoka remained optimistic that it could be restored.

"We still believe there is sufficient time between now and April 11 and we hope there is a positive review of the travel advisory," he said.

The Zimbawbe government has not yet commented on the Australians' move. Chingoka said his union had not communicated directly with the ZCU patron, President Robert Mugabe, who won a highly controversial election a fortnight ago.

Pakistan is the next country scheduled to tour Zimbabwe in October and November. Early next year, Zimbabwe is set to host six matches and five countries during the World Cup.

The countries due to visit include Australia as well as India, Pakistan, Namibia and the Netherlands. "We are confident that there will be no change whatsoever to the World Cup programme itself," Chingoka said.

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd