England postpone decision once again

The England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) will wait at least until mid-March before deciding whether its controversial tour of Zimbabwe should go ahead this October.

Earlier this month it had been suggested that England's final decision would be made in February. But at a meeting on Thursday, the ECB reviewed the "many concerns" that have been raised about the tour, including those expressed by the British government. At the request of the ICC, any decision will now be taken after consultation with its executive board in March.

The ECB clarified its latest decision in a statement: "[We] decided to respond positively to this request [from the ICC] in the hope that it offers an opportunity to explore with all interested parties, all of the prevailing circumstances surrounding the planned tour, in order to establish whether they constitute and exceptional case."

The ICC is clear on its stance where cancelled tours are concerned. Ehsan Mani, the president, reiterated earlier this week that all Test-playing countries have a binding commitment to each other, and that political considerations should not be a factor "when reviewing playing obligations".

Nevertheless, Mani seemed resigned to an England postponement earlier this week, when he was reported by the Times newspaper to have said: "I think the reality is that England will not tour".

In response, Peter Chingoka, the ZCU chairman, e-mailed the 18 first-class counties on Tuesday, explaining why he believed the controversial tour should go ahead, and warning them of the possible financial consequences if the tour is cancelled. However, it is thought that the majority of the counties are behind the ECB on the matter.

"The position is very straightforward," explained Mark Newton, Worcestershire's chief executive. "The counties have allowed the management board to make that decision for us because we believe they are the best qualified to do that.

"You can always put pressure on people if you want to, but that doesn't mean they will necessarily respond to it and I fail to see how sending an e-mail like this is going to help Zimbabwe cricket at all."