Senior players boycott cup match
Several Kenyan players have made themselves unavailable for this Friday's Intercontinental Cup match against Namibia, leaving the selectors scrambling to fill the void
Wisden Cricinfo staff
07-Jul-2005
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A report in the Nairobi-based Daily Nation says that several Kenyan players have made themselves unavailable for this Friday's Intercontinental Cup match against Namibia, as a result of a contractual dispute with the board (KCA).
The squad, together with a new captain, is to be named shortly, but some players are likely to be omitted after clashing with the board over a decision by the KCA to extend their contracts only until the end of November.
A source informed Wisden Cricinfo that he had been told that a number of mainly African players have made themselves unavailable for the game, allegedly including senior figures and youngsters, although most of the Asian cricketers have agreed to play. He added: "I hear the selectors are desperately trying to find adequate replacements who are willing to play."
There are separate reports that the selectors are scambling around to try to fill the side. Some people who have not previously come close to international selection are thought to have been approached, including a couple who live overseas.
Steve Tikolo, who resigned as captain after Kenya's exit from the Champions Trophy, said he would personally not sign a two-month contract. He was quoted as saying: "Giving us a contract until the end of November means that after that date, when Kenya has no international fixtures, we are discarded."
Sharad Ghai, the KCA's chairman, said this position had been forced on the board due to lack of funds. "I had said before that unless we find a sponsor, it is going to be difficult to keep the players on contract and nothing has changed so far," he explained. "The seniors said they want at least a year's contract but we say no because we do not have the resources, they need to give us more time to get a sponsor.
"If they do not play, too bad but I have faith in the younger players to do well against Namibia, I believe they have a point to prove and are more hungry," he added. "I don't mind losing, we must have the courage to lose today so we can win tomorrow."