Dr Bacher welcomes the ECB decision on Zimbabwe

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2003 organising committee today welcomed the England Cricket Board's decision to honour its fixture in Zimbabwe.

Dr Ali Bacher, executive director of ICC CWC 2003, said in a statement in Johannesburg: "The England Cricket Board's decision is to be welcomed for cricketing reasons. In making this decision, England are committing themselves to the principles of international cricket - among which is a desire to develop the game in all regions of the world.

"We understand why there are many calls for political change in Zimbabwe, but cricket takes decisions for cricketing reasons and is not qualified to do the job of politicians.

"Now that this decision has been made, we hope that the first ICC Cricket World Cup to come to South Africa and this continent will be able to proceed according to plan and greatly benefit our country, Africa and international cricket."