The Zimbabwe Independent, an almost lone voice in a state-controlled media, has warned that Robert Mugabe would seize on the visit of the Australian side for propaganda purposes. It warned about the kind of story that would follow:

"Blair says Zimbabwe is a pariah state and everything has collapsed, but even the world cricket champions have enjoyed our hospitality. Go and tell Mr Howard back home that there is no war in Zimbabwe and the people are as happy and friendly as ever."

But it went on to say that a boycott would do nothing to harm Mugabe:

Anyone who believes Mugabe would shed a tear if Australia were to call off their scheduled tour of Zimbabwe might as well believe the veteran leader will spend the remainder of his old life in a monastery. If Mugabe has defied international pressure directed at his person for the past seven years, there is no reason to believe that cricket sanctions would make a dent on his conscience.

Whatever propaganda Mugabe will spin should Ricky Ponting and his men come, the word already knows the truth and the lies will only be as good as that — lies. We hope Australia will make a sporting decision instead of a political one. Zimbabwe’s young and inexperienced cricketers need Australia more than Mugabe does. The young players have a future and Mugabe doesn’t have.

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