Call-off 'would be welcomed'

England will play five one-day games in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai said he would welcome England calling off their cricket tour.

But he stopped short of asking the cricket team to stay away.

England are set to play five limited overs matches in October.

However political unrest in the country made Labour MP Gareth Thomas call for the tour to be cancelled unless the troubles subside.

The England and Wales Cricket Board said the situation was being monitored daily.

Sanctions

"It would send the right signal, but unfortunately it would have minimal effect," Tsvangirai told the Cape Town Press Club.

Tsvangirai said economic sanctions would not help his country, which already is in the grip of deep recession.

But he said targeted sanctions calculated to inconvenience the elite could be effective.

"We have to be realistic about what effect the cancellation of a cricket team would have on President Robert Mugabe.

"I think he 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."