Boycott threat sadens Streak

Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak urged England on Wednesday not to boycott a World Cup match in his country but said the tournament would survive even if they did not play in Zimbabwe. “If that happens that will be sad but that is beyond our control as professional cricketers,” said Streak.

“England are just one of the teams. Whatever happens, the Cup will go ahead ,” he said. Streak declined comment on his own family’s situation. Like other white farmers, they are thought to be under threat from Mugabe’s land redistribution to new black owners — one of the policies most criticised by Britain.