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Tuesday's Connector: Henry Olonga
A right arm fast bowler, Henry Olonga was the first black cricketer to play for Zimbabwe and is the third Zambian-born cricketer to play Test cricket.
Olonga made his international debut in a Test match in 1995 against Pakistan at Harare, at age 18 years, becoming the youngest player to represent Zimbabwe. He led Zimbabwe to its first ever Test victory in that game.
In 2003, Olonga made headlines (along with team mate Andy Flower) for wearing a black armband in a Cricket World Cup match to protest against the policies of the Mugabe-led Zimbabwean government.
Olonga, who now pursues a career as a cricket commentator and singer, has recently released an autobiography, ‘Blood, Sweat and Treason’, in which he explains his gesture of protest and the controversy that followed.
Want to know how he feels about the current situation in Zimbabwe? Or what his most exciting Cricketing moment was?
Here's your chance to quiz Henry Olanga. Leave your questions below and be sure to include where you're writing from.
On Twitter
Hello Henry Khaaba Olonga and CNN friends,
I would like an answer from Henry Khaaba Olonga on the following questions:
– What is your opinion on the way Robert Gabriel Mugabe, the President of Zimbabwe, is Improving the Cricket World?
– What is your opinion on HIV/AIDS Awareness in Zimbabwe?
– What is your opinion on Heroin, Cocaine, Marihuana(Cannabis) and Prescription Drugs(medication) Addiction in the Cricket World?
I am awaiting Henry Khaaba Olonga’s replies.
Greetings,
Jurgen R. Brul
Hometown: Paramaribo
Country: Suriname
Apparently many of your teammates wanted to wear the armband of protest before the World Cup match. Ultimately you all chose two players – one white & one black – to wear it. Who were the candidates (if you can answer without betraying confidences)? How did you choose the players? Do you regret that decision?
Arguably you would not have been banned had you not been chosen. But neither would you have been the symbol of Mugabe's oppression.
Hi Olonga,
Its very courageous to stand against a Govt .. But with the right reason giving inspiration, You will have the mass behind you ..Keep the good work.
Henry dont you feel that you have abandoned cricket in Zimbabwe, something which put you in the spot light. Since having left Zimbabwe what have you directly contributed to the game and do you paln on going back?
whats your comment on the current form of cricket since you left the Zimbabwean team and what do think can be done to improve it.
Tapiwa Nyarambi
Grahamstown
South Africa
Hello,
My question for Mr.Olanga is "What is the main reason behind Zimbabwe cricket team not making to the top of the ICC rankings although having a lot of talent?"
Thanks
Hi Henry
You will not remember me but we attended the same church (Celebration centre) in Harare. Will your Autobiography be avaliable in zim. As would like to get hold of a copy.
Regards
Tony Seward
Hi Henry – I saw that you performed at a concert that raised some money for the Zimbabwe Victims Support Fund. Well done for your continued efforts.
Hello Henry,
You are a wonderful cricketer, raw pace and a smile! Really enjoyed your duel with Sachin Tendulkar. My question to you is – "Did you feel a change in other cricketers' attitudes toward you after you decided to protest, especially, do you think that International players looked up at you with admiration at your brave decision ?" A lot of players must be proud of your conduct!
Hello, I'd like to ask the following:
Where do you see the sport of cricket in the near future? Do you see a more 'globalized' sport (like football/soccer) or do you see the sport staying in Europe/Asia/Africa for the most part?
Thanks,
Keira
NY
I lyk hs pfrmance
Tell us about a moment on the field when you had the most fun.
well done henry, u've make african proud.
hi,henry.i would like to know what you are doing to help the growth of cricket in zimbabwe.thanks. ian mukali,lusaka, zambia.
Hello Henry
I am from Sri Lanka, and you were one of the most interesting bowlers for me to watch.
My question is how did you develop your bowling action? was it your natural one or developed by a coach?
Thank You
my life