Olonga Cast Out By His Harare Club

Zimbabwe's fast bowler Henry Olonga was expelled by his Harare-based cricket club yesterday after continuing a World Cup protest against Robert Mugabe's government.

Olonga played for Takas-hinga, Harare's first primarily black club, but its disciplinary committee announced yesterday that it had revoked his membership for "bringing the game of cricket into disrepute".

"They've withdrawn my subscription which means I'm out of the club," said Olonga from his home last night. "But I'm free to play for another club and that's what I'll do. I'm glad it was sorted out amicably."

He said the move "was not unexpected" as several members of the club are known to be strong supporters of the Mugabe government.

Olonga and his Zimbabwe team-mate Andy Flower wore black armbands during their opening Group A game against Namibia in protest against "the death of democracy in our beloved country".

The International Cricket Council yesterday rejected New Zealand's request to switch today's scheduled Group B match against Kenya away from Nairobi and awarded the points to the home team. The ICC executive board ruled that the venue was safe despite New Zealand's security concerns.