Exclude Zimbabwe and you lose World T20: ICC warns England

London, Jan 5 (UNI) ICC has warned England that in case Zimbabwe is not allowed to take part in the second edition of the World Twenty20 Cup to be held here in 2009 then event may be shifted to some other country.

ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed told BBC that '' We haven't yet had to deal with a situation whereby a country isn't allowed by the host nation's government to take part in an ICC event and if that happens, the board would have to meet and take whatever action it deems necessary.'' The 2009 World Twenty20 Cup is slated to be held in England.

Speed said it was a condition of hosting an ICC event that all member teams would be able to play.

''However, at the moment all we have are media reports, so I would say that all this remains speculative. The board next meets in March so to suggest what action might be taken would be premature.'' Speed was reacting to some reports that British Government is likely to impose a ban on Zimbabwe side entering the country.

However, Cricinfo quoting source close to the ICC said that it was not possible to hold the competition without Zimbabwe and that contingency measures are being drawn up in case the tournament has to be shifted to some other place should the need arise.

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