Zimbabwe: For and against

Cricket is torn by the prickly Zimbabwe issue

The issue of Zimbabwe hosting matches at the cricket World Cup next month has divided opinion in the sport like never before.

The controversial regime of president Robert Mugabe has seen many prominent figures calling for a boycott of the country.

But the International Cricket Council wants the games to go ahead and there are many who agree.

No - the matches should not go ahead:

England chairman of selectors David Graveney
"I hope our cricketers take a serious look at the whole issue and implications before they sign their World Cup contracts. Sportsmen can't live life in a bubble." (29.12.02)

Tessa Jowell:
"Security is deteriorating"

Australia Prime Minister John Howard
"I would hope the ICC would revisit this issue. I am disappointed they took the decision they did." (29.12.02)

Anonymous Zimbabwe player
"It's a question of morality. I'm completely against World Cup games being played here." (07.01.03)

British Sports secretary Tessa Jowell
"The security situation is deteriorating on an almost daily basis ... the simple way out is that matches in Zimbabwe be relocated to South Africa." (09.01.03)

Former England captain David Gower
"I don't often allow myself to be dragged into the political arena, but there is something about this situation that makes me angry." (22.12.02)

Barmy Army member Dave Peacock
"This is a big issue and the general consensus is that they shouldn't be playing in Zimbabwe and would rather they were in South Africa." (31.12.02)

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Yes - the matches should go ahead:

Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak
"We don't think it's fair to try and drag politics into this at all and we are hoping that all professional cricketers will follow the lead of the ICC." (08.01.03)

Hinds feels the Zimbabwe fans should not miss out

England bowler Andy Caddick
"I would not like to comment on the rights and wrongs of the regime in Zimbabwe - I'm a professional cricketer not an expert on world affairs." (02.01.03)

South African sports minister Ngconde Balfour
"We will not support any move to shift matches from either Zimbabwe or Kenya." (30.12.02)

England captain Nasser Hussain
"If the ECB tell me it's been checked out and it's safe, and we think it's morally right to go, then I can only do what my bosses tell me." (20.12.02)

ECB board member Dennis Amiss
"Unless we are told that we cannot go the feeling is that we should go there and play cricket." (09.01.03)

West Indies batsman Wavell Hinds
"I would love the spectators in Zimbabwe to be part of a World Cup. Boycotting games would rob them of an opportunity to do so." (09.01.03)