ZIMBABWE Cricket has invited Henry Olonga to visit the country after advising him to “put the past behind” and “help our cricket renaissance”.

Former fast bowler Olonga exiled himself in 2003 after he and batsman Andy Flower wore black armbands during a World Cup match in a political protest against “the death of democracy in our country”.

Olonga, who got married to an Australian and settled there, has recently been promoting his new book ‘Blood, Sweat and Treason’. Last week, he said he would support Zimbabwe’s return to test cricket after a four year absence, but claimed “we still have the issue of slightly suspicious gentlemen running the sport," in reference to ZC chairman Peter Chingoka and managing director Ozias Bvute.

Of Bvute, whom he clashed with during his World Cup protest, he added: "I don't really trust the man, but he's shown a genuine desire to re-engage with some of the former players."

But on Friday, Bvute showed no appetite for a verbal tussle with Zimbabwe’s first black cricketer, describing him as a “hero” and “role model” to many young cricketers.

“Henry remains a hero to so many young kids in this country and I still hope he will change his mind and return to his country of birth and help with our cricket renaissance,” Bvute said.

“He has been much in the limelight recently promoting his book and he has said a couple of peculiar things about us ... I just wish we could meet and talk about the issues he still has with Zimbabwe Cricket.

“The 2003 World Cup was a long time ago and Zimbabwe Cricket has been through some tough times since then. I know he was angry, but we can resolve that. Lots of us were angry in Zimbabwe Cricket but we have emerged stronger, wiser and more determined than ever.

“We really appreciate Henry’s words of encouragement regarding returning to Test cricket but I can’t understand why he would rule out a return to Zimbabwe, even just for a couple of visits. Why would he burn bridges?

“He will always be a role model, someone for youngsters to look up to, and we’d love to see him back -- in whatever capacity. He left the country and retired from cricket under extremely unfortunate circumstances but, as far as we are concerned, we’d like to put the past behind us and move on to a brighter future.”

It was not clear if Olonga would take up the ZC's offer. He said last week that "personal safety is still a consideration" for him returning to Zimbabwe, although adding in the same interview: "The Zimbabwean government seems to be softening."