The International Cricket Council's (ICC) Security Delegation arrives in Zimbabwe tomorrow, 26 November 2002, to begin a three-day inspection of the security arrangements and preparations ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2003 (ICC CWC 2003).

The delegation headed by ICC Chief Executive, Malcolm Speed, will be reviewing security arrangements for all teams scheduled to play in Zimbabwe during the ICC CWC 2003, to ensure that any real or perceived security concerns held by the countries playing in Zimbabwe are identified and addressed.

"The Zimbabwe Cricket Union (ZCU) is a full member of the ICC and has the right to host these games. They are very important both commercially and promotionally for the sport in Zimbabwe," said Mr Speed.

"Nevertheless, it is clear that in some countries there are genuine safety and security concerns that need to be addressed.

"This visit gives every country and other key stakeholders the chance to put on the table any concerns they might have. We will be able to judge for ourselves the work that is taking place to deal with these issues.

"Ultimately it will allow a considered and fact-based judgment to be made about any safety and security risk that might be present in the country."

The ICC delegation will include:

* The Chief Executive of the Australian Cricket Board (ACB), Mr James Sutherland;
* The Honorary Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Mr SK Nair;
* The Chief Executive of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Mr Tim Lamb;
* Director of the ICC's commercial partner, Global Cricket Corporation (GCC), Mr Ian Frykberg;
* Team Manager of the Koninklijke Nederlanse (Holland) Cricket Board (KCB), Mr Hans Mulder;
* The President of the Namibian Cricket Board (NCB), Mr Laurie Pieters;
* Director of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Mr Chishty Mujahid;
* Chief Executive of the Zimbabwe Cricket Union (ZCU), Mr Vince Hogg; and
* The Joint Chief Executive of the Federation of International Cricket Associations (FICA), Mr Tim May

The delegation will also be accompanied by security and insurance experts.

ICC President, Malcolm Gray, stressed that the only issues to be considered would be security and safety for the teams and officials in Zimbabwe.

"The ICC and its members are only concerned with cricket related issues," said Mr Gray.

"The political issues surrounding Zimbabwe are matters for politicians. While some countries have imposed specific sanctions on Zimbabwe, no government in any part of the world has identified sporting sanctions as an appropriate tool to achieve a political outcome.

"Zimbabwe has competed in the recent Commonwealth Games, is taking part in the Davis Cup and its players continue to represent their country in golf.

"Each ICC Member scheduled to play in Zimbabwe has committed to playing there subject to satisfactory resolution of any safety and security concerns.

"It is these issues that the delegation will focus on."

Following the visit, the delegation will prepare a report within 10 days recommending the appropriate course of action of the ICC in relation to the World Cup matches scheduled for Zimbabwe.

The ICC Board will consider this report and decide on any recommendation.

For further information:

Brendan McClements
General Manager - Corporate Affairs
International Cricket Council
Ph + 44 (0) 207 266 7913
Mob: + 44 (0) 7786 194974

Full details of the ICC Security Delegation's visit are included in the ICC's new newsletter Cricket Quarterly. If you would like to receive a copy of Cricket Quarterly - which covers all aspects of the ICC's work from the ICC Cricket World Cup 2003 to youth development initiatives in Associate Member countries - please email your contact details to jon.long@icc-cricket.com.

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