Marsh urges countries not to boycott Zimbabwe

COLOMBO - Former Australian Test turned Zimbabwe coach Geoff Marsh has urged Australia and England to play their scheduled World Cup cricket matches in Zimbabwe next year.

Australia cancelled a tour of Zimbabwe earlier this year amid security fears and both the British and Australian governments have warned their citizens not to travel to Zimbabwe because of the ongoing violence.

But Marsh, who has been in Harare for the past year, endorsed Zimbabwe as a sub-host of the World Cup.

Zimbabwe is due to host all six of its World Cup matches at home, including games against England and Australia.

"It's fine, I live there fulltime, Harare is very safe," Marsh said ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy in Colombo.

"I've had no problems, I've been safe there and have enjoyed my time there.

"I'm looking forward to the England and Australian sides coming for the World Cup."

Asked if his comments could be taken as active encouragement, Marsh said "yes".

But he hasn't formally talked to any Australian cricket officials.

"I've spoken to nobody but lot of guys have asked 'what's it like in Zim' and I've said fine, 'it's a safe place to live'."

Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak said chief executives from nations due to face Zimbabwe next February and March, would be invited there later this year to check out conditions when Zimbabwe hosts Pakistan.

"There's an invitation from our board going out to all the other teams that are playing in our group at the World Cup, inviting the CEOs to come to Zimbabwe when Pakistan are playing there to see for themselves what it is like," Streak said.

"I'm sure when Pakistan come it will be a good test for the rest of the world to see that things are actually all right when it comes to sport - I don't see any problems arising.

"I'm confident things will go smoothly for the World Cup.

"I know as far as the security goes there's no problems with touring Zimbabwe. Our government and our minister of sport have pledged their support."

Streak's farming father Denis, a former Zimbabwe manager, recently spent three days in jail because of his resistance to the reclamation of farms for black Zimbabweans.

Streak wouldn't be drawn on the controversy, other than to say: "It's a period of change in Zimbabwe and everybody's affected in some way.

"There's certainly no problems in Zimbabwe at the moment - the security is absolutely fine. All our families are there - we certainly don't have any problems and we're confident the six group matches will go ahead in Zimbabwe."