Five years ago Andy Flower famously donned a black armband to mourn the death of democracy in Zimbabwe - now he is prepared to mourn the death of its cricket thanks to "Robert Mugabe's despicable clan". Flower, 40, undoubtedly his country's greatest player, visualises a long haul back if, as anticipated, Zimbabwe are banished by the International Cricket Council next week.
Their future in the sport has come under the spotlight after the withdrawal of opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai from the second round of the country's general election triggered a sporting sanction from South Africa.
Following further social decline under Mugabe's abominable regime, South Africa's cricket board severed bilateral arrangements with their neighbours and, as a result, the ICC hierarchy have been asked to decide Zimbabwe's fate next Wednesday - and if seven full member countries are in agreement they will be kicked out.
The British Government is, meanwhile, set to nail its colours firmly to the mast today when it hands over a letter to the England and Wales Cricket Board, signed by culture secretary Andy Burnham, outlining plans to ban the Zimbabwe team from entering the country for next year's one-day matches and ICC World Twenty20.
"There will have to be a government change for cricket to move forward there," said Flower, England's batting coach.
"Because the people in charge of cricket there at the moment are part of Robert Mugabe's supporters - they are all in bed with him.
"It's going to take a long time to turn things around as domestic cricket is in such a poor state there. We were never strong but it's in such a poor state now.
"It's very sad. So many people gave up so much time and energy to get us into international cricket in the first place - people who weren't paid.
"They did it for the love of the game and the love of their country. It is now pretty much ruined."
Former Zimbabwe captain Flower added: "I'm no politician when it comes to the ICC but I do know that Peter Chingoka is part of Mugabe's despicable clan and the fact that he's allowed to prance around with the ICC colours on and sit on ICC committees is embarrassing.
"And embarrassing for the ICC to have him on there - he's just not a good enough person to be making decisions about anything, especially not the finances of the ICC for instance."
Flower's powerful 2003 protest alongside black team-mate Henry Olonga grabbed the attention of the world beyond cricket's boundaries.
But the atrocities in Zimbabwe have been covered over in cricket ever since, until South Africa's decision to say enough is enough.
"Things are spiralling out of control so quickly in Zimbabwe now," Flower added. "I hope someone does something to arrest that.
"If suspending Zimbabwe from the ICC is the first step then that's good.
"I support a suspension. We should not have normal relations with a country in such an abnormal state. I don't think they should play in England next year on either the tour or in the ICC World Twenty20."
Zimbabwe are due on a one-day tour here next year and then take part in Group A of the ICC World Twenty20.
When Zimbabwe last toured England in 2003, guidance rather than firm instruction was forthcoming from Westminster, which meant the ECB was forced to proceed or be hit with financial punishment.
Highlighting a change in mood, however, a Government spokesman said: "Under the current circumstances it's the Government's view that the tour would clearly be unwelcome.
"We would also have serious concerns about Zimbabwe participating in the Twenty20 World Cup."
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