Viv: Don't Boycott WC in Zimbabwe

West Indies batting legend Viv Richards is strongly urging England and Australia not to boycott their World Cup matches in Zimbabwe.

According to reports out of the U.K., Richards wants the England and Wales Cricket Board to stand up to political pressure and go ahead with their match in Zimbabwe on February 13 against the hosts.

Richards, who is now chief selector for the West Indies, said he understood the stance being taken by the British and Australian governments but insisted: "The people of Zimbabwe would love to watch quality cricket in their backyard and I hope they will get a chance to do so.

"I know that there are some legitimate concerns being expressed by the governments of the Commonwealth about the current leadership in Zimbabwe and that is understandable, Richards said.

"But I really would not want to see a boycott of the games in Zimbabwe. One has to be careful not to use sports to achieve political goals."

The West Indies will not play any matches in Harare or Bulawayo.