Flower: silence shouldn't be mistaken for compliance

There has been no shortage of criticism of the current Zimbabwe tourists. Much of it has concentrated on them being arguably the worst touring side ever to visit these shores, but there has also been a fair amount labeling them as apologists for the regime of Robert Mugabe.

But Andy Flower, who was forced to leave Zimbabwe after his black-armband protest during the World Cup, has come to the players' defence.

In his weekly column in the Daily Telegraph, Flower insists that their silence should not be mistaken for compliance. "I know because I played in that side for a long time, and it doesn't mean that I supported Mugabe, at least not in the most recent stages of his rule," Flower wrote. "If guys speak out and use their freedom of expression, they know they will be ending their careers."

Flower explained that the decision to speak up was easier for him as he was at the end of his career, but he advised others who were prepared to follow his lead to think long and hard. "A couple of players close to me wanted to join the protest, but I had to advise them otherwise. In Zimbabwe's situation, you could not have it both ways: shut up, put your blinkers on and play cricket, or move on with your life and career.

"If everybody took the same stand, you would run the serious risk of eliminating most of the side in one fell swoop. From what I understand, the opposition party [the Movement for Democratic Change] would not be in favour of such drastic action."

Flower went on slam the Zimbabwe Cricket Union for allowing the game in Zimbabwe to lose direction and players to become disenchanted. "Among those who remain, there are some individuals who have crossed the line and become mouthpieces for pro-Mugabe propaganda," he continued. "Such conduct is unacceptable to me. But most of these cricketers are trying to earn a living while keeping a dignified silence on political matters."