Tony Blair has stepped into the row over England's participation in Zimbabwe during the World Cup. An article in Sunday's Observer newspaper claimed that Blair was against the trip taking place. A spokesman was quoted as saying that it would be 'outrageous' were England to play in Harare at this time. Downing Street officials also indicated that they supported Straw's stance and demanded that the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) reconsider its decision. The possibility of Blair's involvement was welcomed by the Movement for Democratic Change, Zimbabwe's main opposition party. "We hope it will encourage the England players to examine their consciences and decide not to go," said a spokesman. "It would be outrageous and unethical for England to play in Zimbabwe. They would be playing into the hands of a dictator who will try and make political capital out of the event."

While the Foreign Office also continued to maintain the official line, a spokesman indicated that they had deep reservations and called on the ECB to reassess the situation. "We ask the cricketing authorities to reflect on the humanitarian and political crisis that is happening in Zimbabwe," he said, "and the fact that the situation could deteriorate over the coming weeks".

The Conservative opposition weighed in to the debate, accusing the government of trying to "slide out of making a decision".

The Observer also reported that it had been told that several players had serious reservations about playing. Alec Stewart is understood to have said that he was "totally against playing there because it would help Mugabe", while others had raised concerns.

David Graveney, England's chairman of selectors, said that he was in favour of individual players choosing to boycott the matches. "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. Every player has to make up his own mind.

"I can't tell them 'don't go' but if you asked me as an individual I would not go to Zimbabwe," he told the News of the World newspaper. "I think people are being presumptuous to assume our cricketers will just jump on a plane and go. I will not be seeking assurances from players that they will go to Zimbabwe before we name our World Cup squad. We'll do our job on a cricketing basis."

The events of the last few days indicate that the government, in the face of considerable public opinion against the trip, might be about to do just that.

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd