CRICKET has long had a fractious relationship with politics. From the diplomatic incidents arising from the Bodyline tour in the 1930s to the non-selection of Basil D’Olivera for a tour to South Africa in 1968-69, which was subsequently cancelled when D’Olivera was included in the squad, and the rebel tours of the 1980s.

And the latest step, taken yesterday, for the England and Wales Cricket Board to cancel fixtures against Zimbabwe on “moral grounds”.

The uneasy relationship shows how sport can never be divorced from the outside world, whether business or politics.

It is not just in the politics of boardroom intrigues or in bidding for and hosting the Olympic Games.

International competition demands that there is a certain level of overlap, and there are lots of times it can be positive.

Diplomatic negotiations by UEFA with the Russian government helped ease fans’ travel to the Champions League final in Moscow in May by relaxing the visa requirements.

China’s attempts to improve its poor air pollution record and to speed up its programme of forestation are just two examples of how the forthcoming Olympic Games has acted as a catalyst for China’s political leaders.

However the Olympian ideals of fair play and sportsmanship have long ebbed away to be replaced by the commercialism of modern sport.

And this will be at the heart of the ECB’s decision. Would the board have made such an immediate and firm choice if the opponents were from a commercially-attractive country, such as India or Australia?

First and foremost, Zimbabwe are an unattractive cricket team, and fans would expect a one-sided series. Demand for tickets and related merchandise would be down and corporate revenues will be lower than for any other series.

And that’s before the recent events in Zimbabwe which will further reduce interest in the matches.

For the ECB, there is a happy confluence of events where a political request, via Culture Secretary Andy Burnham, has sought a decision that they are delighted to be able to take.

However yesterday’s reliance on morality in modern-day sport does seem like cricket has made itself a hostage to fortune and the next decision might be more controversial – and costly.