All test playing countries, including England, have given a binding commitment to each other that political considerations would not be a factor when reviewing playing obligations and this commitment was discussed during the meeting.

This award shows they have done so by upholding the traditional values of the game.

The Zimbabwe team has demonstrated in recent series that it is not in a position to be competitive in Test cricket and its decision to withdraw from its commitments over the next 12 months helps protect the integrity of the international game.

We don't want cricket reduced to a level where it turns into a hooligans' sport and the spirit of the game is eroded. We can't have a situation like we see in football.

Very few people in the history of the game, either players or administrators, can be said to have changed the game but Kerry Packer can rightly be considered someone who did just that.

The papers and documents regarding the World Cup have just been sent to Cricket Australia. We have not set any deadlines (regarding the host country) but we know that the Australian board would soon let us know of their decision.