BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC):

A final decision on the West Indies A Team's tour of Zimbabwe could come as early as today. Tony Deyal, corporate services manager of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), has revealed the regional governing body has to make an urgent decision about the tour that was scheduled from July 4 to 25.

"We cannot abandon this tour for less than serious reasons and our executive committee is expected to meet on Thursday to decide how we proceed," he told the CMC Sports Wire yesterday from the WICB's headquarters in Antigua.

The WICB has failed to reach an agreement with the West Indies Players' Association (WIPA) for the tour that would feature three 'unofficial' Tests and two limited-overs matches. WIPA has advised the WICB and the players that serious security concerns exist, and making the trip to the African nation at this time could be hazardous.

Risks

Deyal acknowledged there were risks associated with the tour, but the WICB had gained assurances from Zimbabwean authorities that the players' safety would be treated with the highest level of priority.

"We too, have just as much or more concern about the players' safety than anybody else," Deyal said.

"They are the future of West Indies cricket, and they are basically our 'shadow' team. These are the ones that we have to invest time in and give opportunities to enhance their skills. So we would not want to do anything to put them or the future of West Indies cricket in jeopardy."

Deyal was disappointed that WIPA did not reach an agreement on the tour, since they had carried out the necessary checks and balances.

"Our board asked that we seek clearance from CARICOM and they have not objected," he said.

Assurance

"We have been given assurance by the authorities in Zimbabwe, and most importantly, we know a number of the players want to go and play."

Deyal disclosed that Zimbabwe authorities were willing to host an inspection team from the WICB, but he did not say if the WICB would take up the offer.

"We have asked WIPA to provide us with their 'intelligence' about the situation in Zimbabwe, but they have not been forthcoming," he said.

"We have tried to share all the information we have and the International Cricket Council is also willing to give us assistance, so we do not know what more we can do to convince WIPA."

Deyal also wondered if WIPA will hold the same position when the senior West Indies team has to tour Zimbabwe at the end of the year for a series of five one day internationals.