Zimbabwe Banned From English Cricket: Mugabe's Last Gift to His People

The British Government issued a ban today on the Zimbabwe cricket team, prohibiting any side from touring England on moral grounds.

The ban comes into effect after an 18-month discussion between the Government and the ICC and will become active with the backdrop of a nation whose economy is in tatters.

Since Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe seized power in the 80s, the country has been the center of extreme political unrest. This has culminated in Mugabe's refusal to leave his position, despite losing a democratic election to the Movement for Democratic Change and their leader Morgan Tsvangirai.

After a run-off was called between Mugabe and Tsvangirai, the MDC leader pulled out following violent and bloody attacks on his supporters. He since has sought refuge in the Dutch Embassy as he feared for his life.

In reaction to this, the ECB have suspended all links with Zimbabwean cricket and cancelled their 2009 tour. They follow in the footsteps of Cricket South Africa, traditionally one of the staunchest supporters of the sport in Zimbabwe, who severed ties on Tuesday.

The ICC will convene on July 2 to discuss a world ban that would prevent Zimbabwe from competing in the Twenty20 World Cup to be held in England.

The decision has been welcomed by former captain Andy Flower, who famously wore a black armband with teammate Henry Olonga to mourn the death of democracy in his homeland during the 2003 World Cup in South Africa.

He said, "I support a suspension. We should not have normal relations with a country in such an abnormal state.

"I'm no politician when it comes to the ICC but I do know that [Zimbabwe Cricket chairman] Peter Chingoka is part of Mugabe's despicable clan and the fact that he's allowed to prance around with the ICC colours on and sit on ICC committees is embarrassing".

Mugabe's regime has brought Zimbabwe nothing but turmoil in recent years, with the economy on its knees and entire communities living in fear of violence through their political beliefs.

These actions might not turn the tide of Zimbabwean politics but it might just send a message to those with the ability to enforce change that some parts of the global community will not stand for what is occurring. If the United Nations follow the lead of the ICC, Mugabe might not be able to cling on to power for much longer.

The fact that Zimbabwe's most famous cricketer in recent times has spoken out in fervent support of the decision to stop his side playing tells its own story.

Cricket might not be able to change the world, but it might just cause some people to sit up and take notice.