ST. JOHN'S, Antigua (CMC):

THE WEST Indies tour of Zimbabwe for a series of five one-day internationals at the end of the month has been given the all-clear. Media reports indicate that the decision to proceed with the series in Zimbabwe was based on a favourable report from an independent security firm.

A statement said that the West Indies Players' Association (WIPA) and West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) have agreed that the tour should proceed, but will con-tinually monitor the situation in Zimbabwe from the perspective of safety, security and food integrity. The trip will precede a longer tour of South Africa for a series of three Tests and five ODIs.

The West Indies are set to arrive in Zimbabwe on November 27, and they will play the first ODI at Harare three days later and conclude the series on December 9 at Bulawayo before heading to South Africa.

A step-down

Reports also hinted that Zimbabwe Cricket wanted the West Indies to play two four-day matches, but this idea was scuppered.

The news is a step-down for WIPA, following their stance in July, when they objected to the A team visiting Zimbabwe, and the trip was subsequently cancelled.

The trip to southern Africa will be preceded by a training camp at the High Performance Centre at the Cave Hill campus of University of the West Indies from November 11 to 22.

It will include a strategic planning and development work-shop for the entire squad.