Cricket: NZ makes detailed submission on Kenya match

9.00am

New Zealand Cricket has provided a detailed paper on its scheduled World Cup match in Kenya for an urgent International Cricket Council (ICC) conference tonight.

The ICC teleconference, set for 10pm NZ time, is to allow members to debate any concerns about the scheduling of matches during the World Cup.

The executive board of cricket's world governing body is meeting amid calls from the British and Australian governments and England players to have the games moved from Harare in Zimbabwe.

Both governments have accused the regime of Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe of human rights atrocities with the country in such economic chaos that some 6.7 million people -- more than half the population -- face starvation.

Anti-Mugabe protesters have threatened riots if the games go ahead and the England players, due to face Zimbabwe on February 13, have expressed safety concerns despite assurances from the ICC that the games will be safe.

The New Zealand Government has advised the Black Caps not to travel to Kenya, angering the Kenyan Cricket Association which accused New Zealand Cricket (NZC) of over-reacting to reports of possible terrorist danger in the capital of Nairobi, where the sides are due to meet on February 21.

Foreign Minister Phil Goff said yesterday that NZC was acting on advice from the Government as well as South African police and the United States Embassy in Nairobi when it asked to have the match transferred to South Africa.

"Kenya, understandably I guess, is somewhat upset about that," Goff said.

"No country wants to see itself placed on a travel advisory, but our first responsibility rests with giving the best advice we can to our own citizens.

"In this case we would say they should be cautious, there are terrorist threats in the region, the game would probably be better transferred to South Africa."

If the ICC does not grant NZC's request at its meeting tonight, chief executive Martin Snedden has hinted that New Zealand would forfeit the game.

There was widespread support for NZC's stance today, with the New Zealand Cricket Players' Association the first to agree.

"The safety of the teams, supporters and workers associated with the game should be paramount," association chief executive Heath Mills said.

The ICC executive board said in a statement today it had previously seen no reason to move the matches and any country seeking to have any of its game moved would be asked to provide additional information that clearly demonstrates it is unsafe for its team to fulfil its obligations.

It said NZC had provided a "detailed discussion paper in relation to its game in Kenya" that had been circulated for the board's consideration.

The paper included a report from NZC's security adviser who had inspected the country.

"All other boards have the same opportunity to provide any additional information on safety issues to the board in order to demonstrate the risk to its players and officials is now unacceptable," the ICC statement said.

Chief executive Malcolm Speed said the ICC was committed to providing a safe and secure tournament.

"The safety and security of players and officials is of paramount importance. Comprehensive and detailed plans are in place to provide the necessary level of security for the tournament," Mr Speed said.

"Tomorrow's meeting (London time) will allow boards to raise any concerns about the ability of these arrangements to deal with any real or perceived security threats."

From February 2, the decision-making responsibility for safety and security issues will move from the ICC executive board to the ICC event technical committee, which is responsible for the administration of the event in South Africa.

- NZPA