Prime Minister John Howard says the Australian government will cover any financial penalties that may be imposed if the national cricket team boycotts their scheduled tour of Zimbabwe for political reasons.Cricket Australia could be hit with a $2 million fine from the International Cricket Council (ICC) if they refuse to tour Zimbabwe as scheduled later this year.

"We would indemnify Cricket Australia for any compensation that it might have to pay to the international body," Howard told Australian radio on Friday.

URL: http://cricketflavor.blogspot.com/2007/05/australia-govt-to-pay-zimbabwe-fine.html