Blair says don't tour

[Ernest]

Originally Posted by Kirsty Harris

I hope so, Ernest, although I sometimes doubt that the general public are really aware of just HOW BAD the situation has become...

Kirsty

I trawl the poltiacal message boards at times,and this question as been asked by non cricket supporters,I found about 2 in five would send a team.

I wonder why when India and Pakistan refuse to play each other,we dont get this fuss,or it has not come to my ears.where is the ICC on this one?

[Kirsty Harris]

Ernest

That is an excellent point...I suspect the ICC is doing what the ICC usually does...sticking it's head in the sand!

[Ernest]

Originally Posted by Kirsty Harris

Ernest

That is an excellent point...I suspect the ICC is doing what the ICC usually does...sticking it's head in the sand!

Well you would think the ECB would thow that one at then ,bet the have some sort of dispessation.

If they are claiming security,Mr Mugabe has whipped up hatred of the UK in Zimbabwe,I cant understand Kirsty why they just donr say no and let them chuck what they want at us,and refuse to pay any fines.

Other nations would follow us.

[Kirsty Harris]

To be honest, Ernest, I think that if one country took a stand others WOULD follow..it's like everyone's waiting for someone to make the first move... and if that were the case, the ICC would have to review their thinking...

[Ernest]

Originally Posted by Kirsty Harris

I think that if one country took a stand others WOULD follow..it's like everyone's waiting for someone to make the first move... and if that were the case, the ICC would have to review their thinking...

It would be a gamble Kirsty,the ICC is an outdated body,should be scrapped,and I am a traditionalist at that.

England should take the lead here,Mr Magabe has never forgotten the colonial past,that is why we should have the same rights as the teams in the subcontinent.

[Scott-Wozniak]

Originally Posted by Kirsty Harris

I'm surprised that this poll is so close...I know it's only a very small sample and so on, but I find it hard to belive that more people think we should have some sort of tour than those who think we shouldn't go at all...

Kirsty

I think its because its not a simple answer to choose - its the classic dilemma, whichever one of the horns of the dilemma you choose will only suit one outcome and not the other - catch 22 - you can't win whichever option you choose.

Moralists beleive we shouldn't tour on moral grounds and in protest at Mugabe's dictatorial regime; Cricket fans believe we have no choice but to tour to avoid the crippling fines and suspension that English Cricket couldn't survive.

I believe they should sidestep the dilemma - and choose neither. Not tour, and neither pay the fines, but tell the ICC to get stuffed.

Scott

[SSA.]

Originally Posted by ernest

I wonder why when India and Pakistan refuse to play each other,we dont get this fuss,or it has not come to my ears.where is the ICC on this one?

Ernest I think the difference is that the Indian Government clearly told the BCCI that they did not want India to tour Pakistan becuase of the political problems between the two countries. And when India did visit Pakistan there was a lot of song and dance before the Government actually said that they could tour. ICC could not do much till the decision was taken by the Indian Government.

If the Government clearly says no the ICC can surely not overrule the decision. I've said this a few times before and I will say it again, the government does need to take a stand on this. Its all very well for the govt to make all the noises about what they want and dont want the team to do. It does not help the issue at all - just causes more complications. Its just creating a bigger dilemma for the players. They are professional cricketers and this is their livelihood, but they may have a moral stance and its not an easy decision to make for any of these guys. Plus the ECB stands to lose a lot of money which everyone knows will not do anything good for English cricket.

I hear a lot of people say we are a democracy and the government does not intervene on such issues and ECB as an independant body has to take a decision. I dont agree - its when situations get like they are now ... we are talking about visiting a country that is clearly anti England and has been known to throw all British press and media out ... that the government does need to take a stand on the security and safety of a group of men representing this country. Plus there is the issue of Mugabe the dictator - I dont know why he is any different from Saddam Hussain. If this government could take a stand on Iraq then they surely must take a stand on the situation in Zimbabwe - I am not saying ask Dubya to attack Zimbabwe, just take a firm stand on the situation in that country and ban all travel to Zimbabwe, all sporting ties with Zimbabawe and all business ties with Zimbabwe.

If that happens the ICC cannot overrule the decision of the British Government and force fines and bans on the ECB. Becuase if they do then they will have to fine BCCI and Indian cricket a lot of money for not playing in Pakistan all these years.

In all this the real loser is the game of cricket and the young cricketers of England and Zimbabwe, its not their fault Zimbabwe is ruled by a mad man, England is run by a spineless lap dog and ICC is an Ostrich.

[Kirsty Harris]

'I believe they should sidestep the dilemma - and choose neither. Not tour, and neither pay the fines, but tell the ICC to get stuffed.'


Scott

I like this idea

[freddie flintoff 142]

Originally Posted by Kirsty Harris

'I believe they should sidestep the dilemma - and choose neither. Not tour, and neither pay the fines, but tell the ICC to get stuffed.'


Scott

I like this idea

sounds good to me (quick raise of the bat 50 up)

[baby freddie]

show off!!!!!!!!!!