"As it stands, if NZC were to withdraw from next year's tour of Zimbabwe for reasons other than security or safety issues, they would be liable for an automatic fine of US$2m, plus all liabilities suffered by the host board (television rights included) as a result. Their ICC membership status could also be questioned," writes Richard Boock in Sunday Star Times. "However, there is an escape clause in the agreement that waives all penalties should a team be barred from touring by government decree."

The Australian government used it last year to help their national cricket team avoid a tour of Zimbabwe and the British government followed suit last month; issuing a ministerial communiqué that allowed the ECB to back out of their commitments. Far from proving controversial, both decisions received widespread support at home and abroad.Despite this, the New Zealand government continues to baulk at taking such action, arguing that interfering with ci tizens' freedom of movement was an extreme and draconian measure, and that it wasn't prepared to withhold passports in order to reinforce its feelings on Zimbabwe.

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