England have lost a final appeal to have their World Cup opener against Zimbabwe in Harare on February 13th switched to South Africa on safety grounds.
The appeal was rejected by independent commissioner Justice Albie Sachs at a hearing in Cape Town today.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) can not appeal against the ruling.
England must now play Thursday's match as scheduled or withdraw and be docked World Cup points.
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They also risk a substantial fine imposed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for breaking their contractual obligations.