LONDON, Oct 1: Former Zimbabwe players Andy Flower and Henry Olonga, who protested against President Robert Mugabe at this year’s World Cup, were given honorary life membership of the MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club) on Wednesday.

The pair, who made headlines during cricket’s showpiece event staged in Southern Africa, wearing black armbands to “mourn the death of democracy” in Zimbabwe, have both since retired from the international game.

“They sacrificed their international careers...to take a brave and principled stand against an appalling regime,” incoming MCC president Charles Fry said in a statement.

“We are delighted that they accepted our offers of honorary life membership. In addition, we are thrilled that Andy and Henry are keen to play for MCC sides in the future.”

Honorary life membership of the MCC is normally granted only to cricketers whose first-class careers have ended.

However, the MCC said it hoped future political changes in Zimbabwe would lead to both Flower and Olonga resuming their international careers.

Last month, Flower, a world-class batsman, signed a new two-year contract with English county Essex as an overseas-qualified player.

Fast bowler Olonga, who went into hiding after the World Cup amid reports that the Zimbabwean secret police were looking for him, has spent the last six months in England on a work permit, playing club cricket and doing TV commentary.—Reuters