No winners in this situation - Lamb

Speaking after the cancellation of England's opening World Cup match against Zimbabwe in Harare, the ECB chief executive, Tim Lamb, has insisted that the Board's primary concern is the security and safety of the players.

"The ECB stance is, was and has always been that the safety and security of its players and officials is its primary and ultimate concern," Lamb said. "Concerns about the players and officials' safety have manifested themselves in two ways.

"Firstly, in the receipt of overt threats directed at the players and their families by the organisation known as the Sons and Daughters of Zimbabwe.

"Secondly, in the deterioration of public order in the country. Certain evidence given to the World Cup Technical Committee and accepted by the Appeals Commissioner has now been thrown into doubt.

"The players are naturally concerned for their own safety and that of their families. The ECB and players are concerned this fixture was not moved some time ago.

"There are no winners in this situation."

The ECB chairman David Morgan said: "This has not been a sordid squabble about money. We are concerned for the cricket fraternity in Zimbabwe and particularly those who would have been spectators at the match on the 13th.

"Throughout this process we have been trying desperately to keep the world of cricket united and are mindful of our responsibility in this regard. Although this process been lengthy we have not dithered or been guilty of procrastination."

"The safety and security of our players and their families has been a matter of paramount importance."