BBC SPORT | Cricket | Zimbabwe's fortunes set to suffer

Former Zimbabwe captain David Houghton says the political situation in his country will impact on the nation's cricket side.

Houghton told BBC Sport Online the policies of president Robert Mugabe would eventually be felt in cricketing circles.

"It [the forced removal of white farmers from private land] will get into cricket. We've been developing the game for the last 20 years and getting the local population involved in the game and in the future there will be an all-black side.

"But at the moment, the side needs the likes of the Flower brothers [Andy & Grant], the Streaks [Heath] and the Whitalls [Guy] to bolster the side.

David Houghton
Houghton scored four Test centuries
"They're the boys with the experience but I can see it being quite difficult for them to represent their country with heart and passion and that makes a big difference."

Houghton, who played 22 Tests for his country and coached the national side as well as take charge of the Zimbabwe Cricket Union's Academy, said the side had the potential to develop without the need of a quota system.

"I believe our young black guys are good players and can make the grade on their own without being shoved in before they're ready for it."

He said the players who would be good enough should not be forced too early but should wait until they have proved their mettle in first-class cricket.

Zimbabwe is not dangerous, just economically broken

David Houghton

"I'm not a big fan of these quota or goal systems. I think it will happen naturally and it should be allowed to happen naturally."

Houghton, who is playing league cricket for Radlett and working as a televsion commentator in England, said he was optimistic of a good showing by Zimbabwe at the World Cup in South Africa.

Future prospects

Zimbabwe are scheduled to host six matches in 2003, but some doubt had been cast because of possible security issues in Zimbabwe.

But Houghton said fears over safety were unfounded.

"Zimbabwe is not dangerous, just economically broken.

"Tourism in Zimbabwe is at the moment history, but something like the World Cup will help bring the tourists back. It may make people see first hand it isn't as bad as it is made out to be - it's just in a mess economically."


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