Robert Mugabe

England cricket bosses will have to decide if players are to travel to Zimbabwe, Downing Street has said.

The official spokesman warned again on Wednesday that the government would be unlikely to force the England and Wales Cricket Board to abandon planned matches in Zimbabwe.

"We have underlined the situation in Zimbabwe. Obviously, the government has very serious concerns about the Mugabe regime," said the spokesman.

"We have been in discussion with the ECB. There has been correspondence between the Foreign Office on this.

"This is part of a process of discussion that will lead to a decision by the ECB."

The statement followed claims by the sport's international governing body that the England team could abandon matches and escape fines of £1.1 million if the government ordered them not to travel.

Tim Lamb, ECB chief executive, said the government could offer the cricket team a way out.

"One option would be to perhaps go back to government again and ask them whether they are able to beef up the advice still further," he said.

Political decision

The president of the International Cricket Council said the government should "give a clear lead and take political decisions".

Ministers have been heavily critical of Robert Mugabe's regime in Zimbabwe.

But shadow foreign secretary Michael Ancram said Jack Straw should take the political decision to formally advise against the tour.

"There are precedents for governments taking moral and political decisions on matters such as these," he said.

"If he had any compassion for the people of Zimbabwe Jack Straw would end the confusion and put a stop to this tour now rather than risk a repeat of the shambles surrounding last year’s World Cup.

"If there are financial consequences, then as I made clear last year, the government should uniquely consider making available compensation for any quantifiable losses suffered by the ECB."

Liberal Democrat spokesman Don Foster pledged to lobby ministers to change their advice.

"The clear issue now is whether or not we can persuade the government to give an even stronger indication of its opposition to this tour going ahead," he said.

"I am now writing to the prime minister to see if he is prepared to make a statement on those lines."