The England and Wales Cricket Board have announced they plan to fulfil next month's World Cup fixture in Zimbabwe.
The ECB had come under pressure from the British government to withdraw the England side from their February 13th game against the tournament co-hosts in Harare in protest at President Robert Mugabe's regime.
The management board of the ECB met today at Lord's to discuss the issue but have decided not to bow to pressure to boycott the country.
Chief among their concerns was the likely impact of a possible £1 million sterling fine from the International Cricket Council for failing to fulfil a contractual obligation to play the match. The British government had already removed any possibility of compensation for pulling out.
England will now begin the tournament as scheduled in Zimbabwe unless the ICC rule that it is unsafe for teams to travel to the country.
The press conference at Lord's was delayed as protesters demonstrated their concerns over the fixture.
They forced their way inside when security guards opened steel gates to let the media enter the ground for a news conference where the decision would be announced.
The protesters were led by gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell, who forced his way into the ground in a struggle with security staff.
PA