HARARE, Feb 20: Zimbabwe fast bowler Henry Olonga has been sacked by his Harare-based cricket club on Thursday after continuing a World Cup protest against President Robert Mugabe’s government.

Olonga, who plays for Takashinga, said: “They’ve withdrawn my subscription which means I’m out of the club.

“But I’m free to play for another club and that’s what I’ll do. I’m glad it was sorted out amicably.”

Olonga and team mate Andy Flower sported black armbands in their opening Group A game against Namibia in protest against “the death of democracy” in Zimbabwe.

The Zimbawean cricket authorities reported them to the International Cricket Council (ICC) for bringing the game into disrepute. The ICC did not charge the pair but asked them not to wear the armbands again.

Flower and Olonga responded by exchanging them for black wristbands during Wednesday’s game in Harare against India. Flower had retained his place against India but Olonga was dropped and acted as 12th man.—Reuters

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