Karl thinks about ... cricket, politics and politicising cricket

While New Zealand cricket is avoiding the political/governance problems afflicting other associations at the moment, it's starting to face a Political dilemma - Zimbabwe: tour or not tour?

The Listener has a useful introduction to the issue. It's a tough issue that will be made harder for the Black Caps by the tour taking place close to the New Zealand election, making this too juicy an issue for politicians to steer clear of.

In discussing the ability of players to make a moral stand and not tour, Ian Smith in the Listener article says that there are only four players who could not tour and still be guaranteed a place in the side: Fleming, H Marshall, McCullum and Vettori. For the rest of the players this will be a tough time, especially following the recent elections in Zimbabwe which indicate no letup by the Mugabe regime in its way of governing.

The Greens have written to all 25 squad members to stay home. If the team didn't tour, New Zealand would face a financial penalty - if the Government thinks they shouldn't (and the NZ Goivernment is staying at arms-length from this at the moment) then should they pay the fine?