ICC responds to cancellation of Australian tour of Zimbabwe

The ICC is disappointed that the prevailing circumstances in Zimbabwe have forced the cancellation of the Australian cricket team's tour to the country.

Commenting on the situation ICC President Malcolm Gray said: "The ICC is saddened by events in Zimbabwe which have caused this tour to be abandoned. The game has already lost recent series in Pakistan and this latest disruption is regrettable from a cricketing perspective. Having said that, the safety and security of teams, officials and spectators must always remain the priority in judging whether a series or match should go ahead."

Countries prevented by force majeure from completing fixtures are not penalised by the ICC or their position affected on the ICC Test Championship table.

As a matter of general policy, the ICC wants member countries to fulfil their fixture commitments. This is important for the promotion of international cricket around the world, for the finances of the home country and for the integrity of the ICC Test Championship programme.