DON'T PLAY BALL WITH MUGABE

In an ideal world there would be no mixing of sport and politics, but a world in which Robert Mugabe and his gang of thugs are able to run a once prosperous country into the ground with impunity is clearly so far from ideal that that principle cannot apply.

It is right that the subject of English cricketers playing in Zimbabwe during the World Cup has been raised. Since this event will be used for propaganda and public relations by the regime, there should be no question of an English team playing in that country. I would be reasonably happy to see them playing against a Zimbabwe team, but only across the border in South Africa.

The restrictions on the media which the regime seeks to impose are unacceptable.

So long as Mugabe remains patron of the Zimbabwe Cricket Union our sporting authorities should refrain from any dealings with that body.

The argument that maintaining sporting contacts may help make Mugabe see the error of his ways holds no water at all.

He will milk the situation for all its worth, given the chance, and should not be allowed that opportunity.