Ministers have rejected a request from cricket officials for financial compensation if they pull out of a controversial match in Zimbabwe.

The government said it would not provide compensation if the England team follows official advice and refuses to travel to Harare for a cricket world cup match.

Speaking after a "full, friendly and frank discussion" with members of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Tessa Jowell said there would be no compensation from public funds.

"We explored very thoroughly the ECB's major concern which is the cost to them," the culture secretary said.

The ECB's Tim Lamb said he was "extremely disappointed" at the refusal to cover potential costs.

Iain Duncan Smith told the BBC that the government's position was a "complete mess".

The controversial match is now expected to go ahead.