The Zimbabwe Cricket Union has decided to postpone the upcoming two test series against Australia in order to diffuse a situation which could have resulted in Zimbabwe losing its test status. They will however play the one day internationals which have been brought forward.

The reasons for all this relate to charges of racial and ethnic discrimination of the Zimbabwe national team dating back to 12 April 2004 when 15 white Zimbabwe players protested at the sacking of captain Heath Streak. The resulting arguments led to these players being sacked, reinstated and then sacked for a second time.

It is clear that Zimbabwe is now led by a non-democratic, institutionally racist government. Selection of players for their national cricket team now appears to be politically lead, which is why the players protested, subsequently refused to play and were sacked. The resulting national team is now depleted of quality cricketers which was why the International Cricket Council were considering dropping Zimbabwe from the list of countries with test status — they would simply not be good enough.

But, we’ve been here before, and I’m a little concerned that the same stance hasn’t been taken with Zimbabwe as was taken for 20 years with South Africa. Back in the days of apartheid, international sports teams didn’t play in South Africa. Indeed, an unofficial tour by English cricketers led to them being banned from playing for their national team for a period of time. Why is Zimbabwe being treated differently? Australia are obviously not condoning the treatment of the sacked players, or indeed the deteriorating political situation, but the fact that they are staying to play the one day internationals must make certain people in the Zimbabwe regime very happy. International opinion needs to get properly co-ordinated in its response to the Zimbabwean situation and treat it with the seriousness it deserves. Half measures such as these are just ludicrous.