England could lose the right to host the twenty20 World Championship next year if it continues to deny visas to Zimbabwe Cricket Union (ZCU) officials, ICC president-elect David Morgan has warned.
When asked whether the ICC could strip England of the hosting rights of the lucrative championship if it continues with its tough stance on Zimbabwe, Morgan said, "It could happen."
"The chairman of Zimbabwe cricket, whoever that may be, will want to come to see the truly wonderful event. My own opinion is that it will go ahead and be staged in England," he added in an interview to The Observer.
ZCU chief Peter Chingoka has been denied an England visa on a previous occasion due to his proximity to Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe, who is fiercely opposed by the British government for his human rights record.
Asked whether the ICC supports Chingoka as ZCU President after an independent audit of its accounts revealed several financial irregularities, Morgan chose to keep mum.
"The position of the chairman of Zimbabwe cricket is for those who appoint that person in Zimbabwe. It is not an issue for the International Cricket Council."