LONDON, Feb 2: South African President Thabo Mbeki said on Sunday a threatened World Cup boycott of Zimbabwe by England’s cricketers was “distressing”.

England who play against Zimbabwe in Harare on Feb 13, have called on safety and moral grounds for the game to be moved to South Africa.

However, following a meeting with Tony Blair at the Prime Minister’s official country residence, Mbeki told Sky News that calls for a boycott were inconsistent.

“You (Britain) hosted the Commonwealth Games in Manchester. The Zimbabweans went there and no problem was raised about this issue,” Mbeki said.—AFP