But Key, who has previously stated his reluctance for the team to go, told New Zealand television there were genuine security and health risks for the players.

Asked if he was prepared to step in, Key said: “Potentially, yes. There are some options that I am working through at the moment.”

Coltart said he would vigorously lobby the New Zealand government to let the team tour.

He said: "My call to the New Zealanders is clear and unequivocal. People have to give this coalition government a chance, and that applies to all levels, cricket included.

“I am not turning a blind eye to the inadequacies in our cricket and our country. My call must not be interpreted that way. My call is in the interest of the public, the players and cricket in Zimbabwe. My call is in terms of sportsmanship.

"We will look at the wider political issues seriously. My wish is that by the time they [New Zealand] are scheduled to come in July, these issues would have been addressed."

New Zealand last toured Zimbabwe in 2005, for two Tests and a one-day tri-series including India, after then Prime Minister Helen Clark strongly urged NZC not to go but stopped short of ordering the team to stay home.

They are scheduled to play three one one-day internationals in Zimbabwe under the International Cricket Council's (ICC) future tours programme.

The only way they can call off the tour and avoid heavy ICC sanctions is if the Prime Minister intervenes.

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) chief executive Justin Vaughan has said the final decision on the tour rested with politicians.

“It's a political question and requires a political solution; it's not a decision NZC should have to make,” said.

“We are a group of cricket administrators. We might have strong feelings about the situation in Zimbabwe but judging international politics is not what we're about,” he said.
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