PM Mitchell objects to Zimbabwe 'A' team tour

Mon, Jun 25, '07

 

Less than a week after two senior WICB executives said the board received no objections from Caricom to the 'A' team tour of Zimbabwe, the chairman of Caricom's Prime Ministerial Sub Committee on Cricket is offering a different take on the situation.

Grenada prime minister Dr Keith Mitchell has "strongly suggested" that the West Indies Cricket Board look for an "alternative venue" for the tour because of concerns over player safety.

Mitchell said that the situation in Zimbabwe "is far too unstable" and said he was concerned about the safety and security of the players.

"The West Indies A team has many very young players who need to be developed in a nurturing environment. I am not convinced that given the instability existing in Zimbabwe that this tour will provide this kind of environment. I am sure that the parents and guardians of these players will be concerned about them touring Zimbabwe," Mitchell added.

Mitchell said that while he understood the need for the WICB and the ICC to broaden the appeal of cricket by taking games to as many countries as possible, player safety should be one of the most important considerations in deciding on venues.

WICB corporate services manager Tony Deyal had earlier said the WICB would pursue plans for the tour after receiving "no objections" from Caricom but assistant secretary general Eddie Green said this was not the case.

He said that Deyal was told that "the Bureau of Heads the opinions were split and we need to send out a formal request to all Heads which we did two weeks ago. I have not spoken to him since and the official decison will be made on June 30."

WICB chief executive Bruce Aanensen is also on record as saying the WICB got the go-ahead from Caricom.