Are Cricket Kenya winning over the media?

If the response to the CK organised Media Challenge is anything to go by, it seems so.
The following is taken from the as yet unofficially launched CK website:

"Journalists gear up for Cricket action

Anxiety is building up ahead of the inaugural Media Cricket Challenge due December 6, this year at the Parklands Sports Club.

Most media houses have already named their squads besides getting down to training ahead of the event that is supposed to enlighten journalists on the intrigues and rules of the game.

Precisely, 14 teams have confirmed participation and more are expected for the one-day eight-aside championship that will feature eight overs. Each team is required to provide 10 players for the tournament while Cricket Kenya (CK) will boost them with two national team players each.

CK chief executive officer, Tom Tikolo said it’s their intentions to stage a memorable and successful event adding that the championship would be inscribed in their annual calendar of events.

“ We want to make it an annual extravagannza where besides teaching journalists on the dynamism and rules of the game, they should be able to interact with each other and know cricket governors and national team players,” said Tikolo.

Tikolo explained this would empower journalists to confidently write and analyse cricket matters now that Kenya has qualified for the 2011 Cricket World Cup. Playing jerseys will be availed to all the teams with the names of their respective members inscribed on them. Glamorous prizes would be at stake for the winning teams and special awards for individual brilliance and skills.

“We want to run it just like any other major championship with rules being followed up to date,” said Tikolo. “However, each player in the team will have a chance to bat, bowl and field.”

Tikolo explained that teams should take advantage of the grounds at Parklands and train adding that CK has already set aside coaches who will conduct clinics during the training.

“The grounds are free daily from 12pm and our technical team will be available upon request from the teams. Let them embrace this opportunity and polish up ahead of the event,” Tikolo said.

Among the media houses that have confirmed participation are Nation, Standard, Kenya Television Network (KTN), Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), East FM, Radio Jambo, The Star, People Daily, K24 and Citizen TV.

“The event has attracted so much attention that some media houses will provide two teams for the championship,” said Tikolo. "

So far, things are looking good. If there is genuinely this much interest in the media, CK could have hit upon a winner. For too long, Kenyan cricket has suffered at the hands of media that do not understand the complexities of the game and the challenges inherent. This tournament should break that down and cement some of them as true fans along the way. It could be the single greatest achievement of this administration if the media get on board and start backing the game again. Fingers crossed the teams rise to the challenge and take up the opportunity. There could even be a case for a combined media team to enter a team into future NPCA competitions...