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Cricket's top bosses are trying to persuade Zimbabwe to pull out of the ICC World Twenty20 following another long day of talks in Dubai.

The England and Wales Cricket Board, along with the South African board, have already cut ties with Zimbabwe.

But the powerful Asian bloc, headed by India, will not countenance any move to remove Zimbabwe's full member status.

However, a deal could be struck to stop Zimbabwe entering the ICC event in England in 2009, BBC Sport understands.

The ICC's Dubai meeting has progressed slowly, and a final announcement on Zimbabwe's future status is finally expected on Friday.

Support for the nation from the sub-continent has been consistent, and that alone will ensure Zimbabwe remains one of the 10 voting members of the ICC, even though the embattled nation has not played a Test since 2005.

BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew said: "Zimbabwe's future was discussed for four hours on Thursday but apparently with little movement from either side.

"Zimbabwe delegates were later seen meeting members of the Indian board who, it is believed, suggested Zimbabwe withdraw from the ICC World Twenty20 in England.

"But as yet it seems Zimbabwe will not do so.

"There is no prospect of Zimbabwe being suspended from the ICC as that would be unconstitutional."

For Zimbabwe to have their full member status removed, at least seven of the 10 members at the board meeting would need to support the expulsion.

But if the Asia countries side with Zimbabwe, who also have a vote, the proposal would be defeated.

The England and Wales Cricket Board has already stated it will not host a tour by Zimbabwe next year.

This was after Cricket South Africa broke off relations with their near neighbours because of the political situation in the country.

But officials from India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan have publicly stated they have no intention of siding against Zimbabwe should there be any formal vote on its status.

However former Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shaharyar Khan said: "A solution could be that they should be asked to withdraw from Test cricket and one-day cricket for a brief period until they prove their credentials but continue in the ICC.

"I would vote against Zimbabwe, yes. My own feeling is it is going to disrupt cricket in a very big way and it is not just England who would be loathe to play Zimbabwe."

The ICC will face a very difficult situation if, after all the attempts at diplomacy, Zimbabwe issues a point-blank refusal to pull out of the World Twenty20.

The British government has provided a formal instruction that the country's cricketers are not welcome in England.