MUMBAI: The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed its intention to play a five-match One-Day International series in Zimbabwe later this year subject to it being safe and secure to do so.

In India, the matches will air on ESPN Star Sports.

A pre-tour inspection visit to Zimbabwe involving a security consultancy and representatives of the ECB and the Professional Cricketers Association (PCA) will take place in the run-up to the tour. The security situation will be closely monitored on an ongoing basis.

The PCA, however, issued a statement stating that it has continued reservations about the circumstance surrounding the tour. The PCA and the Federation of International Cricket Associations (FICA) are closely monitoring the outcome of the International Cricket Council (ICC) investigation into racism in Zimbabwean cricket.

The report is due back to the ICC board in mid October with findings and appropriate recommendations. From ESS' point of view it would probably have preferred England to not visit Zimbabwe at all. That way it would legally be able to change its agreement with the Zimbabwe Cricket Union (ACU).

Zimbabwe cricket fell drastically in value after the players revolt. The mockery of a test series earlier this year between Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka has been well documented.