Pakistan

Cricket Australia monitoring security in Zimbabwe

Published Jun. 27, 2018 3:05 a.m. ET

SYDNEY (AP) Cricket Australia says it is closely monitoring the security situation in Zimbabwe after a bomb blast at an election rally but Australia's tour there next month will proceed at this stage.

Two people died and 49 were wounded when a bomb exploded at an election rally in Bulawayo Saturday in what is thought to have been an attempt on the life of Zimbabwe president Emmerson Mnangagwa. Zimbaweans will go the polls July 30 in their first election since long-serving President Robert Mugabe was forced from office in a military coup.

Cricket Australia said Tuesday it is closely monitoring developments in Zimbabwe where Australia is due to play a Twenty20 Tri Series with Pakistan and Zimbabwe from July 1 to 8.

''The safety and security of our players and support staff is paramount and, as always, we will take advice from the relevant Australian authorities,'' a Cricket Australia spokesman said.

Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has warned that ''instances of conflict cannot be ruled out in the lead-up to, during and soon after the election.'' In a travel warning, it said ''the security situation could deteriorate quickly.''

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