Blair blames ICC for mess in Zimbabwe

8216;8216;We would prefer them not to go but there is a difference between doing that and ordering them not to go, which I think would step over the proper line,8217;8217; Blair told Parliament on Wednesday.

8216;8216;I think many people, however, believe rightly that the problem actually resides with the ICC,8217;8217; he said.

The ICC, the sport8217;s governing body, said last month that it would suspend any country refusing to fulfil its tour obligations for anything other than security reasons or governmental direction and fine them 2 million.

Foreign Secretary Jack Straw will meet chiefs from the ECB on Thursday but Blair indicated they would not get what they most want 8212; a government instruction not to tour, which would allow them to escape ICC sanctions.

The British government has said it has serious concerns about the human rights record of President Robert Mugabe8217;s government, but that it is down to the ECB to make the decision whether to tour. Ministers say they have no authority to ban the tour, citing the 1980 Moscow Olympics when British athletes ignored the wishes of Margaret Thatcher8217;s government and competed. Zimbabwe cricket chiefs have consistently argued there is no sound reason to cancel. The England team refused to play there in the 2003 World Cup because of security concerns. Reuters