ZIMBABWE Cricket has described Scotland’s decision to withdraw its cricket team from a planned tour of Zimbabwe as “regrettable”.

The Scots were due to face a Zimbabwe XI for their scheduled ICC Intercontinental Cup matches in Harare in October, but on Tuesday declared they would not travel on the advice of the British and Scottish governments.

ZC managing director Ozias Bvute said: "The decision is regrettable. We have consulted with our various authorities who have all ruled out the possibility of these matches being played at a neutral venue.

"I remain of the belief that sport can build bridges and I have confidence that it can also act as a catalyst for healing and national unity.

“It is with this in mind that we hope that in the not too distant future, all the strained sporting relations will be restored for the common good of all.”

Cricket Scotland chief executive Roddy Smith said on Tuesday: "It is hugely unfortunate that Cricket Scotland has been put in an impossible no-win situation in regard to the potential tour to Zimbabwe.

"Both the UK and Scottish governments were clear in their advice to us. Although accepting that this decision will not be welcomed by some key partners, we felt that as a responsible governing body we could not, and would not, contravene the direct and unequivocal advice from government.

"We hope that the Scotland team can look forward to playing in Zimbabwe again in the future if and when government policy allows."

The British government has previously banned the England cricket team from touring Zimbabwe claiming security concerns and rights violations by the Zimbabwe government.

Last month, Britain's sports minister said the tours would not resume until ZC chairman Peter Chingoka -- seen as an ally of President Robert Mugabe -- leaves office.