Flower slams SA's 'pathetically weak' Zimbabwe decision

Andy Flower, the former Zimbabwe captain, has supported his country's suspension from the ICC but said South Africa's about-turn decision to cut ties with Zimbabwe was "pathetically weak".

"I like the fact that they [South Africa] are moving onto stronger language and being more decisive," said Flower, who is now England's assistant coach. "Things are spiralling out of control so quickly in Zimbabwe now. I hope someone does something to arrest that. If suspending Zimbabwe from the ICC is the first step then that's good."

On Tuesday, Cricket South Africa, under pressure from its cricketers, decided to suspend its bi-lateral agreements with the Zimbabwe Cricket Union in light of the worsening political situation in the country.

Flower left Zimbabwe in 2003 after protesting the "death of democracy" there. "We should not have normal relations with a country in such an abnormal state. I don't think they should play in England next year on either the tour or in the World Twenty20."

Flower also said it was embarrassing to have Peter Chingoka, the ZCU president, sit on ICC committees. The ICC members are to meet in Dubai next week for the annual conference where the future of Zimbabwe cricket will be discussed.