The 16-man management of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) will vote on a planning structure that provides a framework for cancelling any tours.

But they will not make a final decision on the Zimbabwe trip until next month.

The Government has stopped short of demanding England pull out of the tour for political and moral reasons.

But International Cricket Council rules state that only security fears or a direct government ban are sufficient to pull out of a tour.

The management board includes ECB chairman David Morgan, chief executive Tim Lamb and several county chief executives.

A paper written by Des Wilson, the chairman of their own marketing committee, states that security should not be the only factor in deciding whether to tour.

It suggests a course of action towards cancelling and postponing touring commitments.

The management board are also likely to consider possible compensation for the Zimbabwe Cricket Union (ZCU) if they do opt out of the tour.

"We must do this decision justice," said Lamb.

"We need a little more time to make a thoroughly informed decision.

"Obviously, the Government's explicit view on the tour will be carefully considered and we're pleased to have it."

The ECB, and particularly the counties, felt the financial backlash when England boycotted a World Cup match in Harare last February.

On that occasion, the ICC withheld part of their share of the tournament's vast profits.

The ZCU, which has attempted to increase the pressure on their English counterparts this week, has already dismissed playing in a neutral venue.

Vince Hogg, managing director of the ZCU, claimed: "If England don't come it will be catastrophic for Zimbabwean cricket.

"This tour is vital for our game."

Australia, due to tour Zimbabwe in May and June, are in a similar dilemma to England with their government issuing strongly-worded advice.