Ponting supports ban

Australian captain Ricky Ponting has supported his government’s decison to ban the Australian side touring Zimbabwe later this year.

“As far as this situation is concerned, I’m comfortable that the Australian Government has taken the responsibility for making international affairs decisions on behalf of the country,” Ponting said today in a statement released to the media.

“As captain of Australia, I’ve never had a problem playing against international cricketers from Zimbabwe. And as a playing group, the Australian squad understands its responsibility to spread the word of cricket throughout the world by playing against all countries and, from time to time, in non-member countries as well.”

Earlier today, Australian Prime Minister John Howard announced on Australian television that he had ordered Cricket Australia not to go on the tour to Zimbabwe.

Cricket Australia is now looking for a neutral venue to hold the three match ODI series.