15 October 2004	Friday	29 Shaban 1425

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LAHORE, Oct 14: World cricket's governing body will review the sport's international structure and look into a report on alleged racism involving Zimbabwe when it meets this week in Lahore, a statement said on Thursday.

The future structure of the programme of Tests and One-day Internationals will be discussed amid suggestions that weaker teams like Bangladesh and Zimbabwe be relegated to a second tier because their matches with cricket's top nations are cruelly one sided.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) executive board meeting will also consider the report by India's Solicitor General Goolam Vahanvati and South African High Court Judge Steven Majiedt into allegations of racism in Zimbabwe cricket, an ICC statement said.

Cricket in the African country is in turmoil following a strike by 15 white players led by former captain Heath Streak who alleged racism in Zimbabwe cricket in April this year.

The Zimbabwe Cricket Union (ZCU) refuted the allegations, instantly sacked the rebel players and have subsequently been forced to field a weak and inexperienced side under young captain Tatenda Taibu.

Following Zimbabwe's humiliating defeat in two Tests against Sri Lanka and eight consecutive one-day losses, the ICC suspended Zimbabwe's Test status until the end of this year and launched an inquiry which was held on Sept 30 and Oct 1.

It will be the first opportunity for the ICC board to consider the future structure of the programme of Tests and one-day international following discussions by the chief executives of all countries at their meeting in September, said the ICC release. -AFP