When Zimbabwean skipper Heath Streak arrived for his team's press conference there were only a handful of journos who were around to take down his comments. After big guns like Australia and South Africa finished, there was little interest in Zimbabwe. However, those present will remember the words spoken and the looks exchanged for some time to come. With the country being torn apart by social and political problems, the Zimbabwean cricketers put on a brave face and attempted to get on with the game.

"There are no problems in Zimbabwe at the moment. Security is fine and our families are there at the moment," Streak said, albeit not terribly convincingly.

With Australia already pulling out of a tour to Zimbabwe, there are concerns that a similar boycott could hit the World Cup, where teams play six matches in Zimbabwe. During the 1996 World Cup, both Australia and West Indies forfeited matches as they did not travel to Sri Lanka on safety grounds. Streak was naturally keen that this kind of boycott was not repeated in 2003 and that the matches went on undisturbed.

"We're confident the matches will go ahead. Our government and Ministry of Sport have pledged their support and when Pakistan come on tour in October, it will be a good chance to see that things are all right when it comes to sport," he said.

Heath's father Denis was in custody for three days recently after refusing to leave his farm and game reserve. The other cricketers directly affected by the turmoil in Zimbabwe are Guy Whittall and Sean Ervine.

In order to convince the cricket boards from other countries, Streak said initiatives were in place. "Our board will be sending invitations to all the boards of teams coming to Zimbabwe for the tournament to come and witness the Pakistan tour for themselves to see that it is safe for them to play there," Streak said.

Coach of the team, former Aussie bat Geoff Marsh corroborated what Streak said, adding, "I've been living there full-time for the past 12 months and living in Harare has been no problem. Lots of guys have asked me what it's like and I've told them the truth, that it's safe.

"Harare is a great spot and I look forward to England and Australia coming for the World Cup. I would be very disappointed if the matches were moved."

It has been learned that the Zimbabwean team were instructed by their board to stay away from questions on the political situation.

"I'd prefer not to delve into politics as sport and politics don't mix," Streak said, quite unconvincingly.

"The country is going through a phase of change and everyone is affected. I'm just trying to focus on my cricket and what happens, happens," Streak added.

How anyone can concentrate on a game of cricket when his wife and child are miles and miles away in a home that may not be their's for long, is unfathomable.

© CricInfo