Kenya Cricket

Cricket Kenya to register all under 19 players this weekend

2009-07-10T00:27:00.002+10:00

The following is the Cricket Kenya press release. No other reason was given for this move - at first glance it looks like something that should have been done a couple of months ago BEFORE the regional qualifiers. Closing the door after the horse has bolted, or do they know something the rest of us don't? Lets hope it is the latter...

PRESS RELEASE - UNDER 19 REGISTRATION

Cricket Kenya wishes to inform members of the press that we will be conducting a registration exercise for Under 19 players. This exercise is part of the ongoing U/19 Development Programme which is geared primarily at strengthening the National U/19 Squad.

Registration will be held at Aga Khan Sports Club this Saturday 11^th July 2009 and will run from 9am to 12pm.

Important to note is the cut off date (of birth) which is 1^st September 1989.

Help Choose Kenya Cricket.com's International Player of the Year 2009

2009-07-09T00:12:00.004+10:00

In 2009 we will again be presenting a player with our International Player Of The Year award. With renewed contact with both players and fellow journalists, this is how the award will be decided in 2009:

After each International match individuals from 3 panels will each allocate points based on who they thought performed best in the match: 3 for the best performance, 2 for the next best and 1 for the third best.

The 3 panels will be:
1) Fans - taken from a poll on the website
2) Journalists - Nick Deverell, Ben Trotter, (to be confirmed: Rachel Musyoka, Dun Okinyo, Kimemia Maina)
3) Players - TBA (I will try to get 5 - a mix of junior, past, nat team x 2 and domestic)

Totals will then be taken from each panel to give a new tally for the collective votes from that panel so each panel will produce 3 players with 3,2,1 points. Points from the separate panels will then be added together and a final allocation of points on the 3,2,1 basis will be allocated for the match. i.e every match will only produce 3 players with points by the end of the process. The player with the most points at the end of the year wins the award and the prestige that I hope will go with it.

Past winners are:
2006 - Steve Tikolo
2007 - Thomas Odoyo (pictured above with his award. copyright Kenya Cricket.com)
2008 - not awarded

The more fans that vote, the fairer the outcome from the fan's poll will be. For a player to be eligible for votes they must take 3 or more wkts in an innings or 4 or more for an IC match, or score a half century or better. In the event none of these happen, the best 5 performers will be selected - 5 will always be the minumum number of options. Voting is now open for the Intercontinental Cup match vs Ireland, so get voting and help us choose the 2009 Player of the Year!

GAME COULD BE KENYA'S - IF THEY TAKE THEIR CHANCES

2009-07-06T23:21:00.005+10:00

My apologies for the lateness of this post. Topspinner writes from Eglinton with the report from day 3 of Kenya's Intercontinental Cup match vs Ireland:

THE game was on a knife-edge as play began today on the final day of the Intercontinental Cup match between Ireland and Kenya at Eglinton, Northern Ireland.

Ireland yesterday (Sun) seized six points through a first innings lead of 73 after Kenya's last four wickets added 92 to their Saturday overnight score of 239 for 6, thereby avoiding the follow-on.
Vice-captain Jimmy Kamande batted sensibly to make 73 and some lusty blows allowed Peter Ongondo to register a valuable 24 not out. Former vice-captain Thomas Odoyo made 46 well-worked runs before a blow to the elbow pulled him up short, while Nehemiah Odhiambo made 14 and Elijah Otieno was out for two.

Kenya appeared pleased to have restricted Ireland to a 73-run lead in this high-scoring match and this showed, particularly in the six overs they bowled up to lunch. Odoyo and Ondongo both showed venom, but it was former captain Steve Tikolo who snapped up first innings century-maker Paul Stirling for six just before the break, to have Ireland in some jitters on 6 for 1 off six overs at lunch. These jitters continued afterwards and from 25 overs Ireland appeared to be in some trouble at 45 for 3.

But then a series of catches went down - two difficult, two less so - and had it not been for a sharp take behind by captain and wicketkeeper Morris Ouma off Odhiambo on 89 to get rid of the dangerous kevin O'Brien for 21 the match would certainly have been running away from Kenya. As it was, a further 50 without loss were added to the Ireland total, with a half-century from Alex Cusack, before stumps, leaving Ireland 212 ahead.

Ireland go into today's final day feelimng they can win; but this newly-led and invigorated Kenya side is full of spirit and they know that, if they can bag a couple of early wickets, the game could be theirs.
'Topspinner'.

Photo - Maurice Ouma seems to be making a good start as Kenyan Captain. courtesy of Cricket Europe

Tikolo leads Kenyan fightback after Irish Onslaught

2009-07-04T17:21:00.004+10:00

Steve Tikolo (right) the ex-Skipper and veteran of Kenya's team yesterday proved once again his value to the team as he helped Kenya recover from what seemed like a disasterous start to his successor's first game in charge. Losing the toss, Kenya were asked to bowl and though Peter Ongondo was his usual miserly self, Kenya's seamers simply were unable to induce the Irish openers Paul Stirling and Jeremy Bray to play enough to look dangerous. Content to wait for the bad balls, the pair put on a mammoth 182 before Bray (89) finally edged a Nehemiah Odhiambo delivery to Tikolo to give Kenya a glimmer of hope. Earlier, both the 18 year old Stirling and Bray had both brought up fine 50s as they set about building what looked to be the platform for a huge first innings total.

With tea taken for 197-1, it was definitely the Irish in the ascendency and the hosts continued to pile on the pressure with Stirling bringing up his maiden First Class century with a six of Ongondo. It was the Kenyan seamer who had the final say of the contest however as four balls later he induced the nick from Stirling for Ouma to pouch his first catch as skipper. Alex Cusack and Andre Botha added a further 46 runs before Tikolo started a run that could just have brought Kenya back into the contest.

Botha was the first to fall finding Seren Waters at midwicket and Kevin O'Brien followed first ball giving Tikolo a return catch. Andrew White was the next to depart in the most unusual of circumstances as the ball rebounded of the short leg fielder for Ouma to complete the catch. Tikolo then bowled Gary Wilson with the score on 313 and then to complete his 5-for had the dangerman Cusack popping one up for Collins Obuya to catch at short leg in the final over of play. Ireland closed the day on 323-7 with the game still up for grabs. Given the score at tea, Kenya will be very happy with how their final two sessions went and will be looking to mop up the Irish tail quickly today so they can take their turn at the crease. After their comeback yesterday, it is vital that they do this to return the pressure to Ireland.

Tikolo's figures of 5-67 are particularly impressive and give him yet another career best. There must be concern though that the 20 overs he bowled may take a toll on the 38 year old's batting.
Kenya have selceted a deep batting line up and they will need to apply themselves in the same manner as the Irish openers if they are going to reap any rewards from the first innings. Having had little competetive practice, the top order especially will need to be at their most vigilant to keep out the Irish attack. If they can do so and if the bowlers complete their job this morning, then there could yet be light at the end of the tunnel for Kenya.

picture taken WCL 2007 copyright Kenya cricket.com

Ireland chases fourth ICC Intercontinental Cup title as it takes on Kenya in Eglinton on Friday

2009-07-02T07:33:00.003+10:00

ICC Press Release:

Captain Kyle McCallan says his team hungry for more success

Defending champion Ireland launches its campaign for an unprecedented fourth ICC Intercontinental Cup title when it takes on Kenya at Woodvale Road, Eglinton from Friday.

After failing to reach the final of the inaugural event in 2004, Ireland has won three successive events. And such is the dominance of Ireland in the ICC Intercontinental Cup that it has won 12 of its 18 matches in the history of the four-day first-class event.

In addition to this, the Irish have undoubtedly been the best and most consistent non-Test playing side having won Associate tournaments in all the three formats of the game, including the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier in South Africa in April.

While Kenya watched the ICC World Twenty20 2009 on television, Ireland was in action and accounted for Bangladesh in the first stage to qualify for the Super Eights where it lost to New Zealand and eventual finalists Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

Captain William Porterfield, fast bowler Boyd Rankin and wicketkeeper Niall O’Brien, who were key members of the side in April as well as last month, will miss the opener against Kenya. Porterfield and Rankin are on county duties with Gloucestershire and Warwickshire while O’Brien is recovering from an ankle injury which is expected to keep him out for up to six weeks.

Ireland has named an uncapped fast bowler Andrew Britton for its opening match in the tournament. The 21-year-old has earned a call-up after an impressive performance with Ireland ‘A’ in Yorkshire during the week. He has also represented Ireland in the ICC U/19 Cricket World Cup in Malaysia where he was his country’s most successful bowler with nine wickets from six matches.

In Porterfield’s absence, experienced off-spinner Kyle McCallan will lead the home side in what he expects to be an exciting contest. “It has all the makings of being a great game. We’ve had some great tussles with Kenya over the years, and our victory over them to win our first ICC Intercontinental Cup in 2005, stands out as one of the best performances by an Irish cricket team,” said McCallan, who has taken 50 wickets in 23 first-class matches.

In that nail-biting final in Windhoek, Ireland outsmarted Kenya by six wickets. Batting first, Kenya rode on Steve Tikolo’s 177 and Hitesh Modi’s 106 to declare its first innings at 401-8. In reply, powered by Niall O’Brien’s 106 Ireland made a brave declaration at 313-4 to concede a 88-run first innings. Kenya, in its second outing, was bowled out for 156 with McCallan taking 4-34 and Andrew White picking up 3-24. But Ireland successfully achieved the victory target of 245 with six wickets to spare to leave Kenya shell-shocked.

“In my eyes, it (victory in Windhoek) is up there with our wins over Pakistan and Bangladesh. That game was perhaps the defining moment for the current squad, and you can trace the current success back to that win. It gave us a sense of belief and the confidence to go on and dominate Associate cricket,” McCallan said.

McCallan added that Ireland’s cricketers are fond of four-day cricket. “The four-day format of the game is the one which I personally, and all the team enjoy. You can experiment with different field settings and the bowlers get a chance to operate in long spells.

“We have a great record in this format of the game, and haven’t been beaten since 2004 (when Scotland beat Ireland by eight wickets in Dublin), a game that I missed! We’ve won the last three ICC Intercontinental Cups, and we are still hungry for more titles. We want to continue our magnificent run.”

Ireland coach Phil Simmons is also keen to carry recent success into the ICC Intercontinental Cup. “We’ve had a good 2009 so far, winning the World Cup Qualifiers in South Africa, and beating Bangladesh in the ICC World Twenty20. I want to keep that winning momentum, and I think we can do that with the current squad,” said Simmons, a former West Indies all-rounder.

Simmons said Kenya had named a very strong side for the match but expected the African side to be rusty, having not played any top level cricket since the April event. “Kenya has named a very experienced squad, and has some very talented cricketers in their midst.

“It may find it difficult to adjust to Irish conditions, although it has been warm here in the past few weeks. Kenya may be a bit rusty as it hasn’t played a lot of cricket since the event in South Africa in April. That will be a big advantage for us, but it certainly won’t be easy.”

Kenya has named a side that includes a new captain in 26-year-old wicketkeeper Maurice Ouma who takes over from 38-year-old Steve Tikolo who has been a role model for many Kenyan cricketers, including Ouma. “I have learned a lot from Tikolo’s leadership for the time that I have played alongside him. I liked his leadership qualities like in psyching up players and game plan,” he said.

Kenya and Ireland, besides the 2005 final, also met in the previous event at the Gymkhana Club Ground in Nairobi where Ireland won by an innings and 65 runs. Overall, Kenya has played 17 matches in the ICC Intercontinental Cup, winning six and losing four.

Rudi Koertzen of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires will stand in the four-day match along with Paul Baldwin of the Associate and Affiliate International Umpires Panel.

Teams (to be selected from):

Ireland: Kyle McCallan (captain), Andre Botha, Jeremy Bray, Andrew Britton, Peter Connell, Alex Cusack, Trent Johnston, Kevin O’Brien, Andrew Poynter, Paul Stirling, Regan West, Andrew White, Gary Wilson.

Kenya: Ouma (captain), Jimmy Kamande (vice-captain), Kennedy Obuya, Alex Obanda, Steve Tikolo, Collins Obuya, Thomas Odoyo, Nehemiah Odhiambo, Lameck Ngoche, Peter Ongondo, Hiren Varaiya, Rakep Patel, Elijah Otieno (pictured), Seren Waters, David Obuya

Umpires: Rudi Koertzen and Paul Baldwin

Distribution of points:

14 = for an outright win (so, maximum of 20 points per match)

7 = for an outright tie

6 = first innings lead (retained irrespective of the outright result)

3 each = for a first innings tie

10 each = if a match is abandoned without a ball being bowled

7 each = in a match with more than 10 hours lost due to interruptions, plus any points scored in the first innings

20 = for forfeiting match, plus additional penalty the Events Technical Committee may like to impose

About ICC Intercontinental Cup

The ICC Intercontinental Cup has quickly grown in stature and profile since its inception five years ago and now the ICC’s premier first-class tournament is an integral part of the Associate Members’ cricket schedule.

There will be a total of US$250,000 in prize money for the Associate and Affiliate teams taking part in the ICC Intercontinental Cup 2009-10 with US$100,000 for the winners and US$40,000 for the runners-up.

Having previously been designed around a two-group, three-day format, the event then evolved into an eight-team, round-robin and truly global tournament featuring four-day cricket which gives those teams who do not play Test cricket the chance to experience the longer form of the game.

This year’s format will include seven teams (Afghanistan, Canada, Ireland, Kenya, Netherlands, Scotland and Zimbabwe XI), while a new competition, the ICC Intercontinental Shield will involve four teams below that, namely Bermuda, Namibia, Uganda and the United Arab Emirates.

Scotland won the first ICC Intercontinental Cup in 2004, beating Canada in the final, while Ireland has been victorious in all three events since then, beating Kenya in the 2005 decider, Canada in the 2006-07 event and Namibia in 2007-08.

picture: Elijah Otieno bowling in practice match 2008. copyright Kenya Cricket.com

Past stars edged out by Jamhuri youngsters

2009-07-01T22:22:00.005+10:00

This report from International umpire Subhash Modi (right) is welcome news at a dark time for Kenyan cricket. I sincerely hope we see more news of this sort in times to come rather than the sort that has dominated the last few days:

"I stood as an umpire with Lalji Bhudia in a friendly cricket match between Old Jamhuri School Boys(Former Duke of Gloucester) invitation XI vs. current school boys of the same school. The match was played on Saturday afternoon at the Simba Union Cricket Club. I enjoyed umpiring as Harilal Shah, a former Kenya Cricket Captain along with Aasif Karim (top scorer with 64 runs) , Bipin Vora, current chairman of NPCA (with 20 runs) featured in the same match which the old boys lost by 14 runs. I take this as a part of development and cricket should again be played regularly in Kenya also on Saturday afternoons to create more interest in younger generation. Lucas the captain of the current Jamhuri High School played well for his match winning 54 runs. Other cricketing personalities who came to watch the game were Jimmy Rayani(former chairman of KCA), R.M. Patel(Secretary of Nairobi Gymkhana) and few former chairmen of Nairobi Gymkhana, past and present chairmen of KCU&SA."

Good on the youngsters for getting the win and as noted by Modi, this is exactly the sort of initiative that will help the game grow so good on the oldies for giving up their time to promote the game.

Cricket Kenya: Groundwork to continue

2009-07-01T09:40:00.005+10:00

Despite the ICC's recent decision to strip Kenya of hosting rights to the 2010 Under 19 World Cup, Cricket Kenya has confirmed that the upgrade work to the grounds around the country will continue as planned. In an email to Kenya Cricket.com, Samir Inamdar (right) the Chairman of Cricket Kenya stated that:

"The grounds improvement programme across the country will continue unabated. This is important because we would like to see our infrastructure at clubs improve for the game to benefit"

Writing from London where he is conducting meetings related to formulating Cricket Kenya's formal response, Mr Inamdar also said that Cricket Kenya

"will be claiming our money spent in good faith to get our venues in order from the ICC"

and that

"The ICC's Chief Executives Committee has determined that in the event Canada (who are due to host this event in 2012) concede that they cannot hold it, CK will get the first opportunity to secure these rights."

It is good to hear from Cricket Kenya on this and especially that the upgrading of the grounds will continue. Even without hosting the U19 World Cup, this will at least benefit players in all three hubs who will get to play more games on higher quality pitches which can only improve the quality of Kenya's game overall.

It is also heartening to see Cricket Kenya gearing up for a fight to recoup some of their losses from the ICC. Given how the ICC has been forthcoming in reimbursing Test nations in similar situations, there is at least some hope that this will have a successful outcome.

That Kenya gets first bite at the cherry should Canada not be ready is bitter-sweet and at first glance smacks of the divide and rule mentality employed by the old British Empire. For Kenya to gain from this, another Associate must fail and that is something one would hate so see happen, even if it did benefit Kenya. There is also no guarantee that just because Kenya are to be given first opportunity to secure the rights that this will in fact happen. Going on recent events, it does not look about whether a country is capable of hosting, but capable of generating the ICC higher revenue. If for example, India decided they wanted to host, I wonder how long Kenya's application would even sit in the consideration tray.

Lastly, there is no word yet on the fate of Kenya's U19 team. This situation is not just about money, it is also about players. That they were sent under strength and under prepared to the regional qualifiers can only be blamed on Cricket Kenya, but for the team to finish so low also rests to an extent on the shoulders of the players selected. That said, they were using the event as a practice tournament. Should they not at least be given the opportunity to travel to the next stage of qualifying as an extra team and have a chance to fight to retain their spot on the playing field? If they fail again, there can be no excuses, but at least give them that chance rather than whisk the rug out from under their feet.

Photo from ICC files

Why the Silence?

2009-06-30T23:25:00.002+10:00

What do all of these have in common:
Kenyan Press, Cricket Kenya, ICC, ACA?

Answer: They are all staying strangely silent on the change of venue for the U19 Cricket World Cup. Why?

Kenya's press should be screaming their condemnation of this.

Cricket Kenya should be giving us their side of the story, telling us why this was allowed to happen and what they intend to do about it.

ICC should come clean on the real reason. As per my letter, if there are genuine reasons, lets see them documented.

ACA - who will they support? Will they kowtow to their parent body or support the smaller nations they have been formed to serve.

When people say nothing, it is often because they have something to hide. I urge all readers of this site to write to any or all of the above to voice your displeasure and request transparency and action. Cricket is meant to be a game of honour - it has really lost that sheen of late.

For those in Kenyan cricket who are looking at this as an opportunity to bring down Cricket Kenya: Think long and hard about whether Kenyan cricket will survive another civil war. You will not profit from taking over a carcass. Together we might just keep our heads above water, divided we will surely drown. They may not be doing the best job possible, but make your moves legally and at the right time. That time is at the elections. It is not now. Now all those who value Kenya and cricket must stand united.

An open letter to the ICC regarding Kenya's loss of hosting rights to the 2010 Under 19 World Cup

2009-06-29T23:45:00.001+10:00

Dear Sirs,

I write regarding the recent decision to strip Kenya of hosting rights for the 2010 Under 19 World Cup.

Please can the report/reports given to the ICC regarding this decision be made public. Mention was made in the ICC press release concerning this that "regular reports to the ICC Board" were made. If this is correct, why was the issue not raised publicly in time for Kenya to bring preparations into line with ICC expectations? Please also release these documents for public scrutiny.

What were the specifics of Kenya being deemed unable to host the event? If there are genuine concerns, the ICC should be able to produce a list so that the Cricket Kenya has a chance to publicly address each concern. If the concerns cannot be addressed, this decision might at least be understood of not liked. If they can be addressed then there must be the basis for an investigation as to why this decision was reached.

Was it due to pitch quality? - last we were informed on this (May 11th) was that much progress had been made since the previous inspection in April and there were no undue worries. Given the time between now and the tournament plus the growing conditions in Kenya, there would be ample time for pitches to be brought up to top quality.Several of the pitches to be used already hold ODI status, and given that none of these have had their status revoked, the ICC must still be happy with their quality.
For things to have turned around so drastically in the short space of time since seems very peculiar as does the claim that there is not enough time to rectify the situation.

Is it infrastructure of buildings at the venues or roads etc? Once again, 8 months is a very long time in terms of preparing these and should there have been warning before this decision, it is likely that the Kenya government would have been able to intervene to ensure deadlines are met. Almost all the venues to be used already have existing facilities which could be brought up to scratch well inside the 8 months remaining.

When did New Zealand "offer to host the tournament"? It seems highly coincidental that they just happened to be ready with their offer as Kenya were stripped of hosting rights.

Why has Kenya not been given an ultimatum to reach a particular state of readiness by a certain date rather than suddenly losing the hosting rights without warning? If this did happen, why was it not made public?

What were the affiliations of the persons involved in presenting the report to the ICC?

In summary. the reason given in last week's press release for the stripping of the Under 19 world Cup from Kenya does not stand up. Eight months is ample of time for preparations to be completed and for Kenya to put on a fantastic event. I daresay that given the opportunity, they could certainly at least match the debacle that was the senior World Cup last held in the West Indies.

The ICC has made much of its supposed support for growing the game of cricket outside of the Old Boys Club that is Test cricket. How does it justify that aim in light of this recent decision that has cost one of the strongest Associates upwards of $150 000 - a huge amount of money in terms of an Associate nation's budget, not to mention revenue lost from no longer hosting the event and the incalculable loss that comes from losing an amazing opportunity to promote the game to the Kenyan public.

Kenyan cricket fans have had to put up with much over the last few years, the least they are owed by the ICC is an open and detailed explanation as to why this event that would have done so much good for the growth of cricket in the country has been snatched away from them. We look forward to an honest and transparent explanation.

copied to local and online media

Anger over ICC decision to move U19 World Cup

2009-06-27T00:42:00.003+10:00

Anger is simmering in Kenya and around the cricket world over the ICC's stunning decision to move the Under 19 Cricket World Cup away from Kenya citing '8 months as inadequate time to prepare'.

Here is what Topspinner - a regular reader and well respected journalist had to say:

Is this political, or what? With the ICC having ruled out the UAE for the World Cup and now Kenya for the Under-19s (NZ to be the replacement) - together with the recent treatment of Namibia - it seems the ICC has really got its knife into the Associate members. I thought their remit was to bring the game on in developing countries, not consign it to the 'bin'. Gilchrist wants the game for the Olympics. What is the IOC to make of the ICC's backward-looking way of going forward. Kenya may not have much of an Under-19 team at present, but I pity those who've put in lots of hard work in Mombasa and, more particularly, Nakuru, scene of some of the horrid clashes last year which cricket was trying to pacify. Or maybe that's what it's to do with? That's short-sighted, whatever the reasoning...
'Topspinner' - incensed and beside himself with anger.

Comments from Kenyan players on facebook also reflect disgust and disbelief:

"Icc thats unfair....wat preparation..?"

"Oh god..do something..icc datz 2 much..."

"ICC Moved u19 world cup Big blow to kenyan youngstars"

"It z big blw to th entire houz. Its kenya not kenyan youngstars"

"what a shocking decisin from the icc umpiers kenya is not out yet, we will appeal........!!!!!"

"i wonder what develooment is all about if ICC can stand out and acuse Kenya of not being prepared and yet they are the onses who are doing nothing to make Kenya prepared. As it has been the case before cricket will remain in the hands of ICC big boys and countries like Kenya will continue to loos out. Eight months are too many to prepare. SAD SAD SAD."

to mention a few.

What are your thoughts - is this a 'just' decision or is it yet another example of the ICC's complete disregard for the welfare of Associates.

Kenya no longer to host U19 world Cup

2009-06-26T11:24:00.004+10:00

In a bombshell to Kenyan cricket delivered at the ICC board meeting, it has been decided that Kenya is now deemed unfit to host the 2010 Under 19 World Cup.

According to an ICC press release:

The Board received a report on the readiness of Kenya to host the ICC U/19 Cricket World Cup 2010.

It concluded that with only eight months to go before the event, which Cricket Kenya was awarded in 2006, it was unrealistic to expect Kenya to be ready to host given the large amount of work still needing to be done, despite some grounds such as the Mombasa Sports Ground (above) already better than several ODI pitches elsewhere in the World - this photo was taken on june 18th 2009. courtesy CCA webpage.

It was agreed that New Zealand would be the location for the tournament, subject to the agreement of satisfactory terms.

ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat said: “We have been working with Kenya to monitor their progress towards staging the ICC U/19 Cricket World Cup for some time, with visits to the locations earmarked for matches and regular reports to the ICC Board.

“Regrettably, the conclusion reached was that the amount of work still to be done to get many of the venues ready was such that retaining Kenya as a host represented too great a risk to the successful staging of the event.

“It is a difficult conclusion to have reached and a regrettable one from the perspectives of both the ICC and Cricket Kenya, but with just eight months to go before the scheduled start, we could not proceed on the basis of hoping that everything would be ready next February.

“The ICC U/19 Cricket World Cup is the highest profile event in the ICC’s development calendar. Coverage of the matches is broadcast all around the world and it is a recognised stepping stone for players to graduate to full international level.

“By way of examples, since the latest edition of the tournament, in Malaysia in February/March last year, India’s Virat Kohli, Wayne Parnell of South Africa and New Zealand’s Tim Southee have all gone on to play for their countries.

“We hope Kenya will be able to stage ICC events in the future and we are grateful to New Zealand Cricket for its offer to stage the tournament. It did so successfully in 2002 and we look forward to it doing so again in 2010.”

This is an absolute disaster for Kenyan cricket and also seems like pretty harsh treatment from the ICC. Eight months is hardly the "short" period of time they seem to think. Stadia for Olympics have been rushed to completion in less time, it is hardly as though Kenya could not get pitches and facilities organised in this time. What is especially puzzling is that when the ICC last inspected the preparations, they expressed themselves happy with how things were going. There was no indication they were unhappy, certainly no indication that they were so disappointed that the venue would have to be changed.

Ramifications for Kenya from this are massive and devastating. Cricket Kenya has invested millions of shillings in upgrading the facilities, which while it will benefit club level domestic cricket in the country could have gone far further in establishing and promoting the game at the grass roots level which is where the most pressing work needs to be done. Whether the ICC will be willing to assist Cricket Kenya in recovering from this remains to be seen, but given their shortsightedness and desire for money it is unlikely.

Kenya sent an understrength team to the regional qualifiers based on the fact that as they had already qualified, it would be better to let some less experienced players get a taste of experience and allow some of the more senior players to study for their exams. Or so it was claimed by Cricket Kenya after the teams sorry performance. This may now turn around to bite Kenya in the foot as again the ICC has not made it clear whether losing their hosting rights also means Kenya will lose their automatic qualification. If it does, it will mean Kenya will have missed out on the last 3 Under 19 World Cups - a damning statistic in the light of the improving nations snapping at their heels.

For Cricket Kenya, it will also come as a massive blow as it is in effect a vote of no confidence from the highest echelons of the ICC. There is already criticism from several quarters at home that will quadruple in the light of the lack of faith now shown by the ICC. They will need to act fast and decisively if this is not going to sweep them away. The last thing Kenyan cricket needs is more infighting, but this is exactly what this decision will spawn.

Hopefully this is a decision that Cricket Kenya will appeal - and appeal they must, however unlikely it may seem that the ICC may change its mind. At the top of Cricket Kenya are some very savvy lawyers, this must now be the time for them to earn their keep. They could start with the question of if Kenya was a Test nation would this happen? Example: West Indies World Cup 2007. That was an organisational disaster right down to the final, but the Windies were never threatened with losing it, let alone 8 months out. As usual with the ICC treatment of Associates, this stinks and Cricket Kenya must do whatever they can to correct it.

Cricket Without Boundaries to return to Kenya

2009-06-25T10:45:00.004+10:00

Great news from this blog's favourite charity. Cricket Without Boundaries is a charity that is "dedicated to helping, educating and developing local communities around the World through the spread and growth of cricket." In particular, they have made special efforts in Africa, and have already undertaken trips to Kenya, Rwand and Uganda in 2007 and 2008 (right).

October 2009 sees a return to Kenya where they last introduced the game to over 500 children in areas that would not otherwise be exposed to the game. 120 new coaches were also trained and awarded certificates to ensure that the work is continued in their abscence. For a full report of the 2008 trip see here. Kenya Cricket.com would like to wish all involved the very best and looks forward to hearing about the even more successful 2009 trip!

If you are able to support this fantastic initiative, you can follow the links via the facebook site to donate. All donations go straight to the charity and help to raise AIDS awareness through teaching disadvantaged children cricket.

photo taken from CWOB website

Maurice Ouma is Kenya's new Captain

2009-06-24T22:45:00.005+10:00

Cricket Kenya have today released the squad to travel to Ireland along with the new appointments for Captain and Vice Captain. In a move that was guessed at by only 2% of the readership of this blog, Kenya's new Captain will be Maurice Ouma (Right) with Jimmy Kamande acting as Vice Captain. It is a bold decision by Kenya's selectors and is certainly made with an eye on the future as both players are likely to be around for a long time yet.

There is only one change to the rest of the 15 man squad with Rajesh Bhudia making way for the in-form David Obuya to return to national colours. Ragheb Aga, who has been in fine wicket taking form and Peter Kituku are the two other players who could count themselves unlucky to have missed out. Aside from the captaincy, this is a squad that contains few surprises. David Obuya brings much needed depth to the batting while the recent form of Lameck Onyango (Ngoche) allows the selectors to sacrifice a bowler in order to do this. As announced earlier, Andy Kirsten will travel as coach for the Intercontinental Cup tie and the one day series which will consist of three games rather than two as initially thought.

Full squad:

1. Morris Ouma (Captain)
2. Jimmy Kamande (Vice Captain)
3. Kennedy Obuya
4. Alex Obanda
5. Steve Tikolo
6. Collins Obuya
7. Thomas Odoyo
8. Nehemiah Odhiambo
9. Lameck Ngoche
10. Peter Ongondo
11. Hiren Varaiya
12. Rakep Patel
13. Elijah Otieno
14. Seren Waters
15. David Obuya

Further comment to follow shortly.

Photo courtesy of Joseph Mutisya.

Still a day or so away...

2009-06-23T22:46:00.003+10:00

Despite claims in the local press that the new Kenya Captain and squad were to be finalised on Sunday, Tom Tikolo, CEO of Cricket Kenya has informed Kenya Cricket.com via email that:

"The issue of captaincy and team to travel to Ireland will be sorted out in a day or so as all the procedures are in place.

The coach issue is still pending as we await advice from all parties concerned. Meanwhile Andy Kirsten will be going with the team to Ireland on temporary basis."

On the coach issue, this is no surprise at it was already known that Kirsten would continue to act as coach for the Ireland trip. For those waiting on selection and to hear regards the captaincy, this continues to increase the frustration. In terms of selection, it may well be that the selectors will now wait until after the next practice match, due to start today, before making their final decisions. If they had been originally planning on sending the same squad that travelled to South Africa for the World Cup qualifiers, this does make a kind of sense as at least two players not in that party, namely David Obuya and Peter Kituku, both gave indications that they should at least be under consideration for places.

So in the meanwhile, we continue to wait. At least there is the practice match and we will endeavour to bring you updates as they come through.

Current ODI ranking for current Kenyan players

2009-06-21T23:33:00.001+10:00

Current ICC ODI Rankings for Kenya Players 21st June 2009
Today at 11:20pm
Players ranked in order of highest batting/bowling ranking:

(Player - rank - rating)

Peter Ongondo - 29th Bwl 579 (207th bat 228, 64= all rnd 132)
Thomas Odoyo - 52nd bwl 500 (83rd bat 435, 24th all rnd 218)
Steve Tikolo - 55th bat 508 (74th bwl 431, 23rd all rnd 219)
Hiren Varaiya - 59th bwl 473 (155th bat 280, 64= all rnd 132)
Alex Obanda - 78th bat 443
Jimmy Kamande - 87th bwl 401 (120th bat 349, 57th all rnd 140)
Collins Obuya - 97th bat 396 (118 bwl 303, 77th all rnd 120)
Nehemiah Odhiambo 109th bwl 330 (186 bat 240, 131 all rnd 79)
Maurice Ouma 117th bat 351
David Obuya 126th bat 330
Lameck Onyango 128 bwl 286 (151 bat 284, 170 all rnd 43)
Kennedy Otieno 130 bat 323
Seren Waters 159 bat 277
Rajesh Bhudia 173 bat 255 (178 bwl 203, 163 all rnd 52)
Elijah Otieno 208 bwl 173 (322 bat 107, 218 all rnd 19)
Rakep Patel 287 bwl 27 (328 bat 103, 275 all rnd 3)
NB Rageb Aga - not currently holding a ranking as last ODI in 2004

Overseas Roundup.

2009-06-21T23:27:00.005+10:00

Seren Waters and Abeed Janmohamed have been at it again for the Weybridge Cricket Club this week. Playing against Guildford Cricket Club in the Premier Division of the Surrey Championship in the unusual format of 'timed' one day cricket, Waters picked up 4/86 with the ball off a marathon 22 overs, and once again backed it up with the bat contributing an aggressive 46. Janmohamed came in with team in trouble at 89/5, before contributing a fighting 52 not out. His efforts were in vain as Weybridge fell well short of the required target.

Ragheb Aga put in a solid allround performance himself for the Sussex 2nd XI this week in a One Day match against Hampshire 2nd XI. Aga blasted 23 off just 19 balls with the bat, before chipping in with 1/16 off 5 overs opening the bowling for Sussex 2nds.

Moses Otieno turning out for the Combined Services team, has been in good wicket taking form of late, including hauls of 4/39 against Cambridge University, 1/29 against Police and a 3 wicket haul against a touring side.

With the team touring Ireland to be announced today, it'll be interesting to see if any of these overseas players are included in the squad given their current form.

Is today the day?

2009-06-21T18:07:00.003+10:00

Well according to an article in the Daily Nation it is. In the first mention of cricket in about a month the Nation has claimed that Cricket Kenya will announce the new Kenya Cricket Captain today (Sunday 21st June). No official word has actually been heard from Cricket Kenya themselves, but other sources tell me that the Captaincy interviews have been concluded and now we are just waiting on the selection comittee to make their final decision, so today does seem likely. With the team due to jet out for Ireland next Sunday, it is also likely that the travelling squad will be announced at the same time - though with the need get visas organised in advance, it may well be that this is already known to those travelling. It will be interesting to see whether the recent form in the practice game has altered any plans and if Kenya's overseas contingent (who have been in good form of late) will be included. If they are in the mix, it will be the first time for a good while that the selectors will really have to think hard about who is chosen and who will miss out. Here's hoping we see the strongest possible team to take on the Irish, we will need it.

We will endeavour to let you know as soon as we hear anything official on either team or captaincy.

David Obuya stakes a claim for a recall

2009-06-20T01:36:00.003+10:00

David Obuya has given the Kenyan selectors plenty to think about after the squad's recent practice match played over 3 days that ended yesterday. Playing for an XI lead by Collins Obuya vs a Maurice Ouma skippered XI, he contributed 132 in the first innings, the only century of the match and added a further 70 odd runs in the second.

In a game that ended in a draw, the pitch seemed to favour the batsmen with most bowlers only picking up one or two wickets each. Of the bowlers, Peter Ongondo was reported to be the most incisive, while several batsmen spent quality time in the middle.

Other than David Obuya, others who found good touch were Jimmy Kamande (70* in the first innings), Kennedy Otieno 67* in the second innings, youngster Peter Kituku who made a half century and both Collins Obuya and Steve Tikolo who chipped in with quickfire 30s and 40s in the second innings.

Thanks to those players who took up valuable time to send the results, we will update as we hear more.

Five Shortlisted for Captaincy

2009-06-19T00:01:00.003+10:00

Also according to cricinfo's source close to the selection process, the search for Kenya's next captain has been narrowed to 5 with the decision expected to be made within the week after each candidate has had an interview with the selection panel.

There are no real surprises in the five names put forward. All are seen as key players for the current team and all have a decent level of experience to draw on. In alphabetical order of first name, they are:
Collins Obuya (27), Hiren Varaiya (25), Jimmy Kamande (30), Maurice Ouma (26) and Thomas Odoyo (31).

When Steve Tikolo announced his retirement, I ran a post having a look at some of the candidates I thought might make it. for those that missed it here are my thoughts on the final 5 in the order I think most likely to be given the duty:

1. Thomas Odoyo. As both the longest continuing servant of Kenyan cricket after Tikolo and the team's current Vice Captain, Odoyo has to be the favourite to take over the mantle. In his favour are his experience, his ability to lead from the front with both bat and ball and his natural leadership ability. There has been a recent problem with injuries however and the load of captaincy on top of his other duties may be considered too great - there are not many genuine all rounders who have also made great captains. Despite this and the recent slump in form, he is still the most likely to succeed Tikolo. At 31 probably still has about 4 years of service left and will certainly still be there for the World Cup.

2. Jimmy Kamande. Also an all rounder, Kamande is less of a key player than Odoyo, so the strain would be less. He has experience of captaincy at both club and Elite League and has a tendency to show a more attacking streak that Tikolo does. At 30, he has probably about the same time left as Odoyo, but is less beset by injuries and has really grown as a player in the last 12 months during which he has often been the player standing up to save the team. If not selected as Captain, would probably make a very good understudy and will probably be needed as such if Odoyo is made captain and misses games due to injury.

3. Collins Obuya. After Tikolo, perhaps the most sensible of Kenya's batsmen in recent times and at 27 looks to have more time left in the game than the 2 previous possibles. Like Kamande a great fielder and will set a good example in both innings. One of the other players who is really showing consistent signs of improvement at the moment. His biggest asset though would probably be his age and the fact that having burst onto the scene in the 2003 World Cup, he will know how do deal with the media and pressures that come with the profile.

4. Hiren Varaiya. Of all the bowlers, it has been said that spinners are most likely to make the best captains as they rely on intellect and guile to get their opponents out. Varaiya is certainly a quality spinner and has an understanding of the game that could see him develop into a fine captain. Unlike the other candidates however, he is not a key figure with the bat and in a time when Kenya desperately needs someone to lead from the front in this department, it may be a case of the wrong timing. If not chosen as Captain, would certainly make a fine understudy as he has the determination and toughness that is needed in a leadership role. As the youngest of the candidates, he may yet get his opportunity if he misses out this time round.

5. Maurice Ouma. For my mind the dark horse of the 5, despite being of an age that would be perfect. As his nickname (Pagal) suggests, Ouma's great talent has at times in the past been undone by a reckless streak. In the field, he is tidy behind the stumps and like all wicket keepers possesses not only a good understanding of what is going on around him, but would be in the perfect position to asses how each bowler is faring on a ball by ball basis. With the bat, there are still too many starts that are not carried into big figures and his propensity to be involved in runouts hints at a lack of communication. The above being said, he is held in high regard by his fellow players and this could be the responsibility that turns a good player into a great one.

The above is just my opinion. There is a poll on the right for you to let us know who you think should lead Kenya to the next World Cup and beyond and you can always have your say on our discussion page on facebook.

Or is it?

2009-06-18T23:38:00.003+10:00

According to the latest article on cricinfo, the search for Kenya's next coach is more than just a two horse race. No new names are however mentioned, so we are still having to wait to see who it will be. The article does indicate that Andy Kirsten will continue as coach for the Ireland tour and that his contract will then finish at the end of July.

As there has yet been no official word from Cricket Kenya on anything to do with the selction process, so all is still pretty much conjecture at this stage. Does today's article mean that CK will not be choosing either Sandhu or Butcher? Or does it simply mean they are holding their options open for as long as possible before making a decision. If it is the latter, then perhaps the fans and players could be forgiven for wondering why it has already been this late given that Kenya's first match into the new Intercontinental Cup is only a couple of weeks away. Given the last result the team had under Kirsten in Europe, this is a fair question as he will again be at the reins for this trip.

Whatever the Cricket Kenya decision, it would be best it were made sooner rather than later. Already ground has been lost preparing for the 2011 World Cup and we are close to missing the boat in terms of bettering our 3rd place in the Intercontinental Cup.

Down to 2?

2009-06-16T23:47:00.004+10:00

Well the inside information is that the new coaching position is between Balwinder Sandhu and Allan Butcher

Of the two, Sandhu has the most experience playing at the top level and will always be remembered for "that ball" in the 1983 world Cup finals that removed Gordon Greenidge's off stump. His coaching credentials however are more of a mystery.

Butcher, father of Mark, has less experience at the top level having only played one Test and one ODI. He does however have more coaching experience having coached since 1992, though losing his position at Surrey in 2008 due to them failing to win a game under his stewardship hardly inspires confidence.

No word yet as to who the new Captain will be.

Have a view on this, or know something we haven't heard? Visit our facebook discussion on this topic and let us know!

Waters continues allround form.

2009-06-15T22:44:00.004+10:00

Seren Waters has continued his good allround form for the Weybridge Cricket Club on the weekend in his teams 7 wicket victory over Banstead Cricket Club in the Premier Division of the Surrey Championship.

Bowling first, Weybridge dismissed Banstead for 158 with Waters taking 3/11 off 3 overs to clean up the tail.

Weybridge had little trouble chasing down the target with 7 wickets in hand. Waters and fellow Kenyan Abeed Janmohamed opened together and put on a partnership of 77 before Janmohamed fell for a solid 44 including 7 fours and 1 six. Waters eventually fell for 65 which included 10 boundaries, with Weybridge just 20 short of the required target. Weybridge's 2nd and 3rd drop batsmen had little trouble polishing off the remaining 20 runs for the victory.

Also on the weekend, James Clegg smacked a huge 149 for Fairburn Cricket Club. His innings included 20 boundaries, and he also cleared the boundary 4 times.

Looking for a new coach

2009-06-11T23:43:00.003+10:00

With Kenya scheduled to open their 2009 Intercontinental Cup campaign with an away match versus Ireland on July 3rd, Cricket Kenya appear to be on the lookout for a new coach. Kenya's previous coach, Andy Kirsten was charged with qualifying for the next World Cup, a mission that was accomplished, albeit only just and in unconvincing fashion.

In an advert that was run on the ICC's recruitment page, Cricket Kenya stated they were looking for "a National Coach to drive forward the Kenyan National Team’s preparation for the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup". The duration of the contract would be 'up to June 30th 2011 and would be open to extension thereafter' with the new coach ideally able to step into the role in time for Kenya's July commitments.

Now that the application date (5th June) has passed, the advert has been withdrawn and Cricket Kenya have yet to announce if any decision has been made on a short-list of candidates. It is not known if Kirsten is looking to extend his contract for a further term or if Roger Harper (right) who steered Kenya to WCL glory could be lured back.

Whoever gets the position does not have an easy task ahead. Not only must they prepare Kenya's senior team adequately to face increasingly tough Associate competition, but they must also prevail upon the administration the need for Kenya's top players to play more often against each other. They are also likely to face a hostile press who are apt to jump on any slip up by Cricket Kenya and those affiliated with them while ignoring any positives. It may well seem a thankless task, but whoever does take the reigns should also be aware that there is a large latent support base that will get behind them should they be able to produce the results they crave.

We will endeavour to keep you up to dates on developments as they become available.

U13 selected results

2009-06-11T11:01:00.004+10:00

I had hoped to post full scorecards, but the formatting ability has eluded, so here are the summaries of Kenya's matches in the U13 regional tournament:

Match 1:
Kenya beat Tanzania by 11 runs
Toss - Tza, elected to field.
MOM Joseph Owino
Kenya 3/108 (Joseph Owino 30*, Tanzil Sheikh 20*, Joseph Mwanji 1/11)
Tanzania 5/97 (Abbas Zabahussin 19, Nassoro Zeharo 18, Kevan Dodhia 2/9)

Match 2:
Kenya lost to Uganda by 7 wickets
Toss - Ken, elected to bat
MOM Isaac Abdullahah (Uga)
Kenya 8/83 (Tanzil Sheikh 23, Krutarth Rao 19*, Deep Haria 2/6, Simon Ssesazi 2/22)
Uganda 3/85 (Lawrence Ssempija 32*, Isaac Abdullahah 33, Atharva Tembekhar 1/14)

Match 4:
Kenya v Tanzania - abandoned due to rain
Kenya 3/51 (Dhawal Modi 17, Abbas Zabeehussin 1/5)

Match 5:
Kenya lost to Uganda by 8 wickets
Toss: Ken - elected to bat
MOM Simon Ayella (Uga)
Kenya 6/62 (Dhawal Modi 29, Tanzil Sheikh 19, Simon Ayella 2/13)
Uganda 2/65 (Bid Jaineel 32*, Gordon Everard 1/10, Artharva Tembekhar 1/12)

Overall, Kenya's batting produced too many ducks, though there are some positives to be taken from the above, notably Joseph Owino's innings in the first match, Arthava Tembekhar chipping in with wickets each game and Dhawal Modi featuring in 2 good innings. The stand out player for Kenya however was the one player who really produced in every match: Tanzil Sheikh. Sad to see that the private schools produced little help despite their better facilities and training. Hopefully this will change in future squads and future years with this group of players.

Kisumu are Woolmatt Champs

2009-06-09T22:57:00.003+10:00

Kisumu apparently walked away with the 2009 RVCA Woolmatt Cricket League after a thorough demolition of Rift Valley Sports Club in the final played last Saturday.

Batting first, Kisumu made 274 in their allotted 40 overs before bowling RVSC out for a mere 109.

More details to follow as they become available.

Result courtesy of RVCA