Zimbabwe's future as a cricketing nation will not be known until tomorrow after the International Cricket Council's executive board appeared to delay talks on the issue.

Ray Mali, the outgoing ICC president, decreed that the status of Zimbabwe should be discussed at the two-day meeting following the decision by South Africa to sever bilateral links with their neighbours.

England then followed suit and the British Government outlawed the Zimbabweans' scheduled tour here next year. But support for Zimbabwe is growing in the sub-continent with India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka set to back them.

It is thought a vote on whether Zimbabwe retain their full member status within the ICC will be taken at the end of the meetings, with the Asian bloc's opinions vital.

For Zimbabwe to have their full member status removed, at least seven of the ten members at the board meeting would need to support the expulsion. But if the Asian countries side with Zimbabwe, who also have a vote, the proposal would be defeated.

That would be leave England with a potential problem over next year's World Twenty20, which they are due to host.

Explore Cricket

• Counties

• Live Scores