Ministers and the cricket authorities are to meet to discuss the political, sporting and financial implications of an England boycott of a World Cup match in Zimbabwe.

England and Wales Cricket Board officials have requested a meeting with foreign secretary, Jack Straw, and culture secretary, Tessa Jowell, while insisting that it is not appropriate for a sporting body to take a political decision.

The ECB is concerned that England will lose two World Cup points and at least £1 million in fines for a boycott.

Zimbabwe has accused Britain of trying to keep cricket a "white and colonial sport".

Morgan Tsvangirai, the leader of Zimbabwe's oppostition party, has said the match would "endorse [president] Mugabe's regime".