Brave Duo

On Monday 10 February 2003, directly before their opening World Cup match against Namibia, Zimbabwean cricket stars Henry Olonga and Andy Flower issued a joint statement protesting against the Zimbabwean regime's oppression of its own people. As promised in their statement, the two then went on to participate in the match wearing black armbands to 'mourn the death of democracy in our beloved Zimbabwe'. They have pledged to wear these armbands throughout the tournament.

Their brave stand has drawn praise from around the world, and offers an inspiring example for all to follow.

It has also been criticised by the Zimbabwe Cricket Union (ZCU) and by Olonga's club side Takashinga, which immediately suspended him.

Following a ZCU submission that the players' actions had 'brought the game into disrepute', the International Cricket Council (ICC) decided on Friday 14 February not to charge Olonga and Flower, but disgracefully it criticised their action and said it would ask them to stop wearing their black armbands.

Click here to read the full statement made by Henry Olonga and Andy Flower.

Click here to read a full transcript of Henry Olonga and Aegis Zimbabwe Fund initiator Dr James Smith on BBC Radio Four's flagship morning news programme, 'Today', 11 February 2003.

Demonstrate your support

To comment or express your support for Olonga and Flower, go to Have Your Say.

You can also show your solidarity with the cricket stars by offering practical support for the suffering Zimbabweans, whose cause they have taken such risks to publicise. Simply call Zimbabwe Fund line - 0906 1200 003. To see how your money can help, go to £1 counts.

Press Releases

To read press releases issued by the Aegis Zimbabwe Fund relating to Henry Olonga and Andy Flower, visit Press Releases or use the hotlinks below.

Zimbabwe's Stars put the World to Shame 10.02.03
ICC slammed for criticism of Zimbabwe stars 17.02.03