LONDON - Zimbabwean cricketer Henry Olonga is to claim political asylum in England because he feels it is not safe to return home.
The fast bowler, who announced his retirement from international cricket last week, could face treason charges after his World Cup protest against President Robert Mugabe's Government, says theDaily Telegraph newspaper.
Olonga said he had received threatening emails, one of which said he was a "sellout" and that he would be a "marked man" if he returned to Zimbabwe.
He and team-mate Andy Flower made headlines when they wore black armbands for Zimbabwe's opening match in Harare, "to mourn the death of democracy."
The pair were protesting against Mugabe's land reform policy.
Olonga, the first black player to represent Zimbabwe at cricket, is in hiding in South Africa.
His wife, Becky, and their three children have already left for England.
"I might still have taken the chance [to return to Zimbabwe] until [my father] strongly urged me not to come back," Olonga said.
"His was the voice of reason and he's very relieved that I'm staying here in South Africa.
"I don't feel 100 per cent safe [in South Africa]. I'm hooking up with a friend here, but if necessary I'll keep moving because you never know.
"You have to remember that the ANC and Zanu-PF are bedfellows. I'll only feel completely safe once I get to England."
A Suffolk businessman has offered to pay English county side Essex for Olonga's services next season, but if he does move to England he plans to take a break from the game to concentrate on his other passion, singing.
"I just hope the British authorities will look kindly on me."
