13 Jun 2011

No cricket urged with Zimbabwe while Mugabe in power

10:40 am on 13 June 2011

A human rights campaign group says New Zealand cricketers should not be playing against Zimbabwe while president Robert Mugabe remains in power.

The Black Caps are due to tour Zimbabwe in October, with Zimbabwe visiting early next year.

The Global Peace & Justice group says New Zealand should not have sporting ties with Zimbabwe while the long-serving president is still in control.

Spokesperson John Minto says New Zealand should not support a country that cracks down on its opposition.

New Zealand Cricket says the International Cricket Council makes the playing decisions under a future tours programme.

Chief executive Justin Vaughan says he will not get into any political debate about the tour.