No neutral venue, says Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe officials have shot down any hope for a series to take place in a neutral venue, saying it’s either in Zimbabwe or nothing.

Cricket Australia had expressed interest in playing a series against Zimbabwe in nearby South Africa, after the Australian Government blocked the tour in opposition to the Mugabe regime.

However, Information Minister for Zimbabwe, Sikhanyiso Ndlovu, rejected any notion of a series being held outside of Zimbabwe.

“That is wishful thinking. The International Cricket Council says Zimbabwe can host the Australians and any other cricket country here,” he said.

Ndlovu also criticised the Australian Government’s foreign policy in relation to Zimbabwe.

“The Australian foreign minister has announced $18 million for regime change. We have a process here for the change of government through democratic elections and not any other way. For them to put up that money when we are heading for an election reveals their agenda, but we have a law here against foreign funding for political parties, directly or through NGOs or their embassy.”