Confusion still surrounds the future of England’s World Cup match against Zimbabwe in Harare.

Earlier reports claimed that the ECB had informed the International Cricket Council in a letter that England would boycott the match on Thursday.

But the report was quickly denied by all parties, and the ICC still retain faint hope that the game can take place.

The latest statement from the England and Wales Crickert Board states: “The ECB wishes to clarify that we have not said that we are refusing to go to Zimbabwe.

“We asked the ICC to move the match to a safe location outside of Zimbabwe on the grounds of safety and security.

“We would also like to draw attention to the fact that in the letter the ICC has released to the media this afternoon, the ICC clearly states it is still awaiting a final decision from the ECB on this matter.”

Professional Cricketers’ Association managing director Richard Bevan backed those sentiments, saying that processes were continuing.

The ICC earlier extended a 2pm GMT deadline for England to decide whether they would be fulfilling the fixture. They are still waiting for an official response.