BLOEMFONTEIN (South Africa), March 31: Zimbabwe’s volatile political situation could prevent the country from hosting 2003 World Cup matches, tournament director Ali Bacher said Saturday.

Australia called off their tour to Zimbabwe, scheduled for April and May, on the advice of the Australian government, which warned its citizens not to visit the southern African country because of political violence.

Zimbabwe is due to host six matches in the 2003 World Cup. The games involve Australia, England, India, Pakistan and Zimbabwe.

However, the Australian government may not have changed its view on visiting Zimbabwe by the time the tournament starts in February, while the deteriorating relationship between Zimbabwe and its former colonial master, Britain, may lead to England refusing to play there.

“We will do everything possible to make sure those matches take place in Zimbabwe,” Bacher said Saturday.

“However, any decision on the games being played there won’t be our own decision.

“We will have to consult with the Zimbabwe Cricket Union, the International Cricket Council and, in particular, the South African government.”

Bacher said he discussed the issue with the South African government in January, and would do so again shortly.

If it proved impossible to play the six matches in Zimbabwe, Bacher said, they would be moved to South Africa.

“We have to be pragmatic,” Bacher said. “We must have a back up plan, and the Global Cricket Committee, the ICC and myself have had preliminary discussions about moving the matches in question to South Africa.”

The problem will have to be resolved speedily, as 2003 World Cup tickets are due to go on sale on the internet on July 15.

Australia refused to travel to Sri Lanka during the 1996 World Cup following a bombing in Colombo and forfeited the points from a first round match.—Reuters