Fast bowler Olonga quits Zimbabwe

EAST LONDON: Fast bowler Henry Olonga quit international cricket yesterday after Zimbabwe’s 74-run loss to Sri Lanka in a World Cup Super Six match.

Olonga had played only one match after joining teammate Andy Flower in a controversial “death to democracy” armband protest in Zimbabwe’s opening win against Namibia at Harare. After being recalled and taking one wicket against Kenya on Wednesday, the 26-year-old paceman was cut from the Zimbabwe squad for the final match.

Olonga issued a statement saying it might be dangerous for him to return to Zimbabwe, given his protest against Robert Mugabe’s regime. “It is with great sadness that I am announcing my retirement from international cricket,” Olonga said. “My continued involvement with the Zimbabwean team has become untenable. “The stand I took earlier in the World Cup has undoubtedly had repercussions that have affected both my career and my personal life. I have received threatening e-mails which, I believe, make it dangerous for me to return to Zimbabwe.”

Olonga said he never doubted his protest would have consequences, but that it was important for him to have the courage of his convictions. “I believe that if I were to continue to play for Zimbabwe ... I would do so only by neglecting the voice of my conscience.” Flower, 34, has also retired from international cricket. He’d announced before the Sri Lanka match that it would be his last. The former No. 1-ranked limited-overs batsman will renew his contract with Essex in the English county competition and was also expected to join South Australia in the next southern summer.