Date:02/04/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/04/02/stories/2003040204331700.htm

Sport - Cricket

England players furious over Zimbabwe tour plans

By P. Subramanyam

London April 1. England and Wales Cricket Board's (ECB) row over Zimbabwe after it had agreed to pay an undisclosed sum as compensation to the African nation, has taken a new twist with the England cricketers reportedly refusing to tour Zimbabwe next year if Robert Mugabe is still in power in that nation, according to The Sun newspaper.

The tabloid on Tuesday claimed that the England players were furious with the ECB Chief, David Morgan, who has committed England to a month-long visit to the troubled African nation in autumn 2004 without consulting the players.

The Players' Union boss, Richard Bevan, said, "Since the ECB decided not to consult us, it is not appropriate to comment until we've discussed it fully."

Olonga likely to move to New Zealand

In the meanwhile, fans of New Zealand's Central Districts are bidding to get the rebel Zimbabwean cricketer Henry Olonga a place in the team and a safe haven in New Zealand. Olonga is reportedly in hiding somewhere in South Africa fearing that he may face treason charges if he returns to Zimbabwe.

Olonga was suspended from his Harare Cricket Club after he had made a political protest wearing black armbands at this year's World Cup event.

Campaign leader Earl Stevens said, "It really is a crying shame what's happened in Zimbabwe. Firstly, we need to see if we can set him over here."

If the terms are lucrative, Olonga may well end up in New Zealand to pursue a cricketing career there.