Cricket: Sky TV to cover Zimbabwe tour

Sky Television will provide live ball-by-ball coverage of New Zealand's test and one-day international tri-series in Zimbabwe, despite widespread public opposition to the tour.

Sky's director of communications Tony O'Brien said the broadcaster was committed to providing coverage of the Black Caps "whenever possible, and wherever they go".

"We don't make political decisions for our viewers. It is up to them what they watch. We are just a broadcaster," he said.

O'Brien said Sky would not be sending its own commentary team or staff, so there were no security concerns.

Sky will take the live feed through South Africa. It secured the broadcasting rights as part of a package deal with the New Zealand tour of South Africa in October.

The first test is in Harare on August 7.