LONDON, July 28: The Middle East conflict is threatening to spill over into the world of cricket. British Muslim students, angered by the Israeli bombardment of Lebanon, said on Friday they would protest against Israel's cricket team when they play in a tournament in Scotland next month.

The Israelis are due to play five matches in the European second division championships from August 3-9.

“It is unthinkable for the Israeli cricket team to play in our backyard while these acts of aggression continue to take place,” said Faisal Hanja of the Muslim student group FOSIS. “We plan to protest unless the proposed match is cancelled.”

The European Cricket Council said it had no plans to bar the Israelis. “We will take any decision on calling the matches off on the basis of advice from the police,” an ECC spokesman said.—Reuters