Cricket: Doubts over Zimbabwe

Stephen Fleming

New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming is prepared to boycott the tour of Zimbabwe this year if he feels it will make a difference.

Fleming admitted that a tough three months were in store for his players as the decision on whether to tour Zimbabwe in August despite its immoral Government looms.

He said the decision would not be a hasty one.

"If the information that I read suggests it's probably not wise to go and that will make a difference, then that's something I'll consider," Fleming said.

"Like the other players I'll be reading a lot, watching the situation closely and trying to educate myself on what impact the tour will have.

"The players will take a lot of care over the decision."

New Zealand Cricket chief executive Martin Snedden recently said no players would be penalised if they individually decided not to tour as a protest against President Robert Mugabe's regime.

Greens co-leader Rod Donald this week wrote to 25 New Zealand players urging them to boycott the five-week tour on moral grounds.

Fleming said he received his letter on Wednesday, but had not yet opened it. There had not yet been any team discussion.

- NZPA