LONDON, April 20: Zimbabwe Cricket Union (ZCU) chairman Peter Chingoka expressed confidence on Tuesday that England would tour in October despite safety concerns and reservations about President Robert Mugabe's government.

Chingoka and ZCU member Ozias Bvute met briefly with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) at Lord's before going to a meeting with the International Cricket Council (ICC).

"We had the opportunity to state our case very clearly to the ECB," Chingoka told reporters. "We are hoping that in a couple of weeks' time that they will come up with a decision that is correct and that is a decision to tour as scheduled in October and November.

"We always said very clearly that sport is for the sporting people. Politicians can handle their business outside the sporting arena and we will stand by that." The ICC has threatened international suspension and a $2 million fine for teams who refuse to tour unless there are either legitimate safety or security concerns or they are asked not to go by their governments.

A report by ECB management board Des Wilson this year said moral as well as security issues should be considered when deciding to go ahead with any tour and British Prime Minister Tony Blair's official spokesman has said the government has serious concerns about Mugabe's rule.

However, the spokesman said a final decision about the tour would remain with the ECB. Sri Lanka are in southern African nation now while world champions Australia are also scheduled to visit this year.

The meeting at the headquarters of world cricket took place against a background of increasing hostility between the ZCU and its white players. Fifteen white players were not considered for Tuesday's first One-day International against Sri Lanka after a dispute which started when former captain Heath Streak disputed the composition of the selection board.

England under former captain Nasser Hussain refused to play in Zimbabwe during last year's World Cup because of security concerns and British newspapers have suggested players may be allowed to decide for themselves about whether they tour.

"That is their prerogative," said Chingoka. "We will play against the best side that is available from England." In a statement released after the meeting, Chingoka said the ZCU remained willing to talk to the rebels.

He said the board had agreed to restructure the national selection panel, reducing it from six to four selectors and including two new members in former national player Richie Kaschula and under-19 coach Walter Chawaguta. -Reuters