IDI Board Approves ICC Cricket World Cup 2003 Matches in Zimbabwe

ICC Media Release December 19, 2002

The Board of IDI (ICC Development International, the commercial arm of the International Cricket Council) today approved the staging of ICC Cricket World Cup 2003 matches in Zimbabwe.

The decision was based on the approval by IDI Board members of the report and recommendations put forward by the ICC Security Delegation, following its three-day visit to Zimbabwe during late November.

Announcing the decision in London today, Malcolm Speed, ICC Chief Executive, said: "IDI Board members have endorsed the Security Delegation's report, which focused exclusively on safety and security issues for the staging of World Cup matches in Zimbabwe next year. On the evidence obtained and assurances given during the inspection visit, we believe it will be safe to play these games and that the original schedule of matches can now be confirmed."

The 12-page report put forward three recommendations to the IDI Board:

1. That the IDI Board confirms that the six first round matches scheduled for Zimbabwe will take placed as planned.

2. That the ICC CWC Security Directorate ensures that the Security Plan is fully implemented in Zimbabwe by regularly monitoring the progress of this plan and providing the ICC with reports on a two-weekly basis as to its implementation.

3. That the final Security Plan submitted by the ZCU and approved by the Security Directorate, including the additional security measures identified following the terrorist attack in Kenya, be provided to each country scheduled to play in Zimbabwe for their information.

Seven countries - Australia, England, Holland, India, Namibia, Pakistan and Zimbabwe - are due to play CWC games in Bulawayo and Harare in February and March 2003.

"The recent visit to Zimbabwe gave every country due to play there, and other key stakeholders, the chance to assess the situation at first hand. Ultimately, it allowed a professionally considered and fact-based judgment to be made about the safety and security position in the country," said Mr Speed.

ICC President, Malcolm Gray, confirmed the ICC's position that the only issues to be considered were the security and safety of the teams and officials in Zimbabwe.

"The ICC and its members are only concerned with cricket related issues. The politics surrounding Zimbabwe are matters for politicians, not sports administrators. 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 recent high profile international sporting events such as the Commonwealth Games and the Davis Cup, and its players continue to represent their country in golf.

"Today's decision by the IDI Board means that each ICC Member scheduled to play in Zimbabwe has committed to playing there, always subject to the continued maintenance and integrity of the safety and security protocols put in place in Zimbabwe," said Mr Gray.

The IDI Security Delegation report also covers safety issues and considerations for media and spectators attending games in Zimbabwe. The overall conclusion is that Zimbabwe is a safe and secure country for these groups, provided that sensible travel arrangements are made and followed. The report stresses that individuals need to use their own judgement about safety and that consular advice should be sought and followed. As with any overseas travel, personal insurance arrangements should also be confirmed.

Media notes:

1. The IDI Security Delegation Report can be viewed on the 'Latest News' section of the ICC web site at www.icc.cricket.org

2. Members of the IDI Security Delegation to Zimbabwe were:

· 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;
· The Joint Chief Executive of the Federation of International Cricket Associations (FICA), Mr Tim May;

ICC media contact:

Jon Long
Project Officer - Corporate Affairs
Tel: + 44 207 7266 7912
Mobile: + 44 7946 545 090
Email: jon.long@icc-cricket.com

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