It is against the law in Zimbabwe to show any disrespect for President Robert Mugabe. But the England cricket team does not want to be used by Mugabe to help boost his image.

If he refuses Mugabe a shake hand, Nasser Hussian faces jail. It is a no-win situation for the England Captain Nasser Hussain. He is under threat of imprisonment if he refuses to shake hands with President Robert Mugabe at next month's World Cup match in Harare.

While, he has to obey the dicta from Tim Lamb, chief executive of the England Cricket Board. He had announced last month that the team would not play any part in "ceremonial activities" that could be used to boost Mr Mugabe's position.