LONDON, Jan 14: England will play their World Cup fixture in Zimbabwe next month despite British government opposition, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said on Tuesday.

ECB chief executive Tim Lamb told a news conference at Lord’s: “The decision of the management board was unanimous.

“We have not been elected to make decisions of a political nature.”

He added that all the England players had said they were ready to play in the Feb 13 game as long as if was still regarded as safe.

“They are happy to fulfil their obligation to play in this match,” he said. “There is no indication any player wishes to withdraw.”

Five days ago Culture, Sport and Media Secretary Tessa Jowell told the ECB that the government opposed the match in Harare against Zimbabwe because of security concerns.—Reuters