The British and the Australian government have opposed the staging of the World Cup matches in Zimbabwe and reportedly both countries' prime ministers have asked the respective cricket boards to consider their participation. The two leaders are going along with the Commonwealth's decision to suspend Zimbabwe and condemn their leadership. If both England and Australia play, there would not be any sanctions against them, but as both Tony Blair and John Howard are active voices against Zimbabwe, there position would be dented. Australia has earlier cancelled a tour to Zimbabwe this year and also forfeited the Sri Lanka match in World Cup 1996.

Questions may sneak up on the racial violence in and around London last year when Pakistan was touring England for a Test series. Serious issues would have been created if they would have come back to Pakistan in protest of the British government's stance against the Asians, especially the Pakistanis. England was on tour to India this year when the Gujarat violence was brewing. If England had to play a match in Ahmedabad now, would they have done that? I am sorry to say that the answer would be in the affirmative.

Cricket, and sports in general, should be left off limits of politics and especially international politics. The matches should go ahead because it is the World Cup after all. Security is always a concern and if the authorities have accepted the measures, then

the venue is fit enough. Let's forget everything else come February and March and enjoy the World Cup.

Haji Mohammad Isam, Dhanmondi, Dhaka