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From troubling Sachin Tendulkar to cleaning boats: Henry Olonga opens up on his life in exile
Former Zimbabwe cricketer Henry Olonga, known for his famous clash with Sachin Tendulkar in 1998, recently opened up on his life in exile and his journey from cricket to cruise ship gigs and boat cleaning in Australia. Olonga was forced to leave Zimbabwe after his comments on Robert Mugabe's dictatorial rule in 2003. read more
Former Zimbabwe cricketer Henry Olonga is one name from the past that Indian fans will remember very clearly even to this day. The connection, of course, is with the 'God of Cricket' Sachin Tendulkar himself. Olonga is remembered for the rivalry he formed with Tendulkar during his playing days.
During a triangular series in 1998 in Sharjah, Olonga destroyed the Indian batting lineup with his figures of 4/46, which also included the wicket of Tendulkar. India lost the match by 13 runs. In the final match of the series, Tendulkar exacted his revenge as he smashed Olonga in every direction.
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Olonga conceded 50 runs in six overs and Tendulkar eventually finished on an unbeaten 124 off 92 balls as India chased down a 197-run target in just 30 overs. However, this story has now become a very small part of Olonga's life, which he might not even remember, given his current circumstances.
Why was Olonga forced into exile?
In 2003, during the Cricket World Cup, Olonga and teammate Andy Flower made a bold protest. They wore black armbands during a game to speak out against the political situation in Zimbabwe. They called it a mourning for the 'death of democracy' under dictator Robert Mugabe's government.
This move came at a big cost as Olonga got death threats and was forced to leave Zimbabwe. He never went back. Olonga moved to Australia and tried his hand at different careers including music. He even appeared on The Voice in 2019. But life hasn't been easy for him since leaving cricket.
Olonga's new life in Australia
In a recent interview with The Telegraph, Olonga talked about his journey and how his life has changed since moving to Australia. Olonga revealed that he has not seen his father for more than 20 years, as he lives in exile in Australia while his father lives in Zimbabwe.
The former cricketer said that he now releases music on YouTube and does small shows if he gets them. He recently performed a gig on a cruise show.
'It's not necessarily the peak of music performance being on a cruise ship. In fact, some people think that singers go to die on cruise ships. It's like where you go when you haven't made it anywhere else,' Olonga said.
'But I don't mind that. I don't have an ego about my music. I sing in little retirement villages, I've sung to school kids, and I've sung in little bars in front of three people. I just love singing. I love performing,' he added.
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'I've done all sorts of jobs. I've cleaned people's boats. I've done public speaking, as in motivational talks and after-dinner talks. I won't say I'm having the time of my life, because I just live a sort of drab, very predictable, boring life in some people's eyes, but at least it's honest, and I'm staying out of trouble.'
Olonga almost returned to Zimbabwe in 2017 after Mugabe was overthrown. However, due to some complications, he couldn't make it happen. He became an Australian citizen in 2023 and now lives with his wife in Adelaide.
'It's in the too-hard basket. I've started a new life. I think like a Westerner now. I live in Adelaide, where things just work,' Olonga said.
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