Former England bowler Gladstone Small believes the current side should refuse to travel to Zimbabwe for the World Cup.

Small told BBC Five Live that allowing the African country to hold World Cup fixtures would send out false signals of support for the policies of Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe.

Small, a key figure in the Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA), said he would urge players not to support the International Cricket Council's decision to give Zimbabwe the green light.

I would not be able to live with the situation in Zimbabwe Gladstone Small

The PCA has asked the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to provide England players with more information on the situation after the decision.

"Sometimes we need to look at the wider issues and not hide behind the excuse that politics shouldn't get in the way of sport," Small said.

"We need to look at the consequences of our actions and think about who's involved."

England captain Nasser Hussain has said he will play in Zimbabwe if the ECB deems it safe, but Small said that should not stop players deciding to boycott the trip.

"The cricket authorities have made their decision - it now comes down to individual players," he said.

Streak said security would not be an issue

At least one senior player in the Zimbabwe side is believed to support a boycott.

But captain Heath Streak insisted the ICC had made the correct decision, and said the security of players would not be threatened.

Streak told the BBC World Service: "We're looking forward to hosting those matches. We try not to get involved in the political side.

"I believe sport and politics can't mix.

"The security of the teams coming here is perfect. I think things should go ahead."

Streak has been affected by the seizure of agricultural land in the country with his family having earned a living through farming.

But Heath believes the decision to host matches in Bulawayo and Harare is an important step for the sport in the country.

He said: "We've had our fair share of problems but we are working our way through that to continue farming and make a living.

"Cricket is a huge foreign currency and Zimbabwe needs the foreign currency provided by the game of cricket."