Lord’s honour for Flower and Olonga

Andy Flower and Henry Olonga have been made honorary life members of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in recognition of their World Cup protest...

Andy Flower and Henry Olonga have been made honorary life members of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in recognition of their World Cup protest against Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe.

The Zimbabwe duo wore black armbands during their country’s opening World Cup match in February, against Namibia in Harare, and issued a statement mourning the ‘death of democracy’ in Zimbabwe under Mugabe.

It was a move that effectively signalled the beginning of the end of both players’ international careers.

Story continues below this ad

After the World Cup the pair arrived in England with batsman/wicket-keeper Flower playing county cricket for Essex and pace bowler Olonga turning out for celebrity club side Lashings.

In a statement, new MCC president Charles Fry said: “Both the membership committee and the main MCC committee were unanimous in wanting to honour Andy Flower and Henry Olonga.

Sudhir Kumar Chaudhary, India's superfan, with Pakistan team's superfan Chacha Cricket, whose real name is Chaudhry Abdul Jalil. (Special arrangement)

Beyond bitterness on field, a tale of two superfans Sudhir and Chacha

Sports32 min ago

Chacha Cricket and Sudhir Kumar Chaudhary, passionate cricket fans from Pakistan and India, have formed an unexpected bond despite their countries' rivalry. They consider cricket a game of love, not hate, and their friendship serves as a reminder to respect opponents.

View all shorts

Live Blog

PHOTOS