New Zealand's Prime Minister John Key has hinted his government may prevent the country's cricket team from touring Zimbabwe later this year. Mr Key said that aside from political reasons there could also be safety and health risks to the players during the planned visit in July.

He said: "There is the risk of cholera and quite frankly we don't support that regime" of President Robert Mugabe. The International Cricket Council could fine the team if it opts not to tour.

"You have to ask the question, 'Why would the ICC be fining New Zealand for not sending their cricket team to a country which is so dysfunctional that it is a high risk if our players go there?'," Mr Key said on New Zealand's TV3 station. New Zealand Cricket leaders have said they wanted to discuss the issue with the government.

They say the would face heavy fines if the planned three one-day internationals in Zimbabwe are cancelled without an order from the government. New Zealand last visited Zimbabwe in 2005, despite opposition from the government.