Bevan is one of the party heading to Zimbabwe

Richard Bevan of the Professional Cricketers' Association is part of the security taskforce.

Bevan criticised the lack of leadership from the government and for Jack Straw recently shaking Robert Mugabe's hand.

He said: "If we're guided by these people... it's very difficult to put pressure on England cricketers."

He added: "The ICC and the ECB, because they made contractual agreements in March this year, have decided England will travel, subject to changes in safety and security.

I've yet to be convinced of our safety and security Richard Bevan Collier dismay over Zimbabwe

"But the tour can be stopped on safety and security issues."

Bevan said the week after England leave Zimbabwe, there is the equivalent of the Labour Party congress meeting being held in the African country.

"There is already building up in the media a very anti-Britain issue. I've yet to be convinced of our safety and security," he said.

"I'm not expecting guaranteed safety, I'm just looking at the level the government and security forces are at approaching the tour. I can then encourage the ECB to make a decision if that's appropriate."

The taskforce will canvass opinion from all sections of the community, including opponents of president Mugabe's ruling party.

Itinerary: England in Zimbabwe

They will also inspect the facilities and hotels England will be using on their two-week tour, which involves five one-day internationals starting in Harare on 26 November.