Tom Sears is the new CEO of Cricket Kenya

Cricket Kenya Press Release:

Cricket Kenya is pleased to announce that it has agreed terms with Mr Tom Sears to take over the vacant position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cricket Kenya.

The panel of selectors for the new CEO included the office bearers of Cricket Kenya, the chairmen of the 3 provinces, Richard Done of ICC and Cassim Suliman (CEO of Africa Cricket Association).

Tom Sears is currently the Head of Business Development of New Zealand Cricket. He was formerly Chief Executive Officer of Derbyshire CCC (2005 -2008) and before that the Commercial Director of Worcestershire CCC (2000-2005). In terms of experience, he was in the eyes of the panel the most ideally suited candidate to take on this job given the breadth of his commercial and administrative experience and the reports received from those who have worked with him. The panel is confident that with his background and skills, Kenya’s cricket development will be in very capable hands.

Mr Sears, who is 40 years old, is of English extraction. He is married with three children.

He will accompany Mr Inamdar as one of Kenya’s two delegates to the ICC’s Annual Conference in Singapore (26th June – 1st July 2010) before commencing his duties in Kenya on 19th July 2010.

Schools Mini Cricket fixtures

Cricket Kenya have organized a Mini Cricket Tournament which will feature schools from Nairobi Province on Saturday 27^th March 2010 at Ruaraka Sports Club starting at 9:00am and ending at 5:00pm.

It will be a fun filled event that will have the participation of 27 teams (16 boys’ teams and 11 girls’ teams). The boys’ event will be divided into four pools out of which the top team will proceed to the semi finals. The girls’ event on the other hand will be divided into three pools with the top team in each pool and the overall best runner up to contest in the semi finals..

FIXTURES - RUARAKA SPORTS CLUB (27.3.2010)

TIME 9:00AM - 5:00PM

BOYS COMPETITION

POOL A

1. KARURA FOREST PRIMARY SCHOOL

2. MURANG’A ROAD PRIMARY SCHOOL

3. RIVERBANK PRIMARY SCHOOL

4. MUSLIM ACADEMY

1. Karura Forest v Murang’a Road

2. Riverbank Primary v Muslim Academy

3. Muslim Academy v Murang’a Road

4. Riverbank Primary v Karura Forest

5. Murang’a Road v Riverbank Primary

6. Karura Forest v Muslim Academy

POOL B

1. HIGHRIDGE PRIMARY SCHOOL

2. CITY PRIMARY SCHOOL

3. WESTLANDS PRIMARY SCHOOL

4. EBENEZAR SCHOOL

1. City Primary v Highridge Primary

2. Westlands v Ebenezer School

3. City Primary v Westlands

4. Ebenezer v Highridge Primary

5. Highridge v Westlands Primary

6. Ebenezer v City Primary

POOL C

ROYSAMBU PRIMARY SCHOOL

DR. AGGREY PRIMARY SCHOOL

PUMWANI PRIMARY SCHOOL

PANGANI PRIMARY SCHOOL

1. Roysambu Primary v Dr. Aggrey Primary

2. Pumwani Primary v Pangani Primary

3. Roysambu Primary v Pumwani Primary

4. Dr. Aggrey Primary v Pangani Primary

5. Pangani Primary v Roysambu Primary

6. Dr. Aggrey Primary v Pumwani Primary

POOL D

1. BRIGHT STAR ACADEMY

2. MUSLIM PRIMARY SCHOOL

3. ST. MARY’S RUARAKA SCHOOL

4. MATHARE YOUTH

1. Bright Star v Muslim Primary

2. St. Mary’s Ruaraka v Mathare Youth

3. Bright Star v St. Mary’s Ruaraka

4. Mathare Youth v Muslim Primary

5. Mathare Youth v Bright Star

6. Muslim Primary v St. Mary’s Ruaraka

SEMI-FINALS

Winner POOL A v Winner POOL D

Winner POOL B v Winner POOL C

FINALS

Winner SF 1 v Winner SF 2

GIRLS COMPETITION

POOL A

KARURA FOREST PRIMARY SCHOOL

WESTLANDS PRIMARY SCHOOL

RIVERBANK SCHOOL

1. Karura Forest v Westlands Primary

2. Riverbank v Karura Forest

3. Westlands v Riverbank Primary

POOL B

MURANG’A ROAD PRIMARY SCHOOL

HIGHRIDGE PRIMARY SCHOOL

CITY PRIMARY SCHOOL

ROYSAMBU PRIMARY SCHOOL

1. Murang’a Road v Highridge Primary

2. City Primary v Roysambu Primary

3. Murang’a Road v City Primary

4. Roysambu Primary v Highridge

5. Murang’a Road v Roysambu Primary

6. Highridge Primary v City Primary

POOL C

MUSLIM PRIMARY SCHOOL

PUMWANI PRIMARY SCHOOL

PANGANI PRIMARY SCHOOL

DR. AGGREY PRIMARY SCHOOL

1. Muslim Primary v Pumwani Primary

2. Pangani Primary v Dr. Aggrey Primary

3. Muslim Primary v Pangani Primary

4. Dr. Aggrey v Pumwani Primary

5. Muslim Primary v Dr. Aggrey Primary

6. Roysambu Primary v Pangani Primary

SEMI-FINALS

WINNER (A) v WINNER (C)

WINNER (B) v BEST RUNNER-UP

FINALS

WINNER SF1 V WINNER SF 2

CEO shortlist yet to be decided

CRICKET KENYA PRESS RELEASE: CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER RECRUITMENT

Cricket Kenya wishes to inform members of the media that it has received an overwhelming response to its advertisement to recruit a Chief Executive Officer.

Well over 60 applications have been received ranging from countries all over the world including Australia, Sri Lanka, India, New Zealand, United Kingdom, South Africa and USA. There has also been very strong interest in this position from local Kenyan applicants.

Cricket Kenya Chairman, Samir Inamdar, has appointed a sub-committee to consider the applications in order to prepare a final shortlist of candidates for interview. The sub-committee includes Shamji Patel (Vice-Chairman), Nasoor Verjee (Treasurer) and the three provincial chairmen Bipin Vora (NPCA), Pankaj Desai (CCA) and Martin Bentley (RVCA). Assisting this sub-committee in its deliberations will be Richard Done, the ICC High Performance Manager and Cassim Suliman, CEO, Africa Cricket Association.

Inconsistency and the rumoured retirement of our greatest ever player

If Kenya's recent run of form can show us anything, it has been both the best and worst of what the team is capable of. Like an Associate version of Pakistan, one day the team shows itself capable of blasting any opposition off the park, the next it appears to fall apart as it loses to a team it should on paper defeat easily or who they brushed aside a mere couple of days before. This inconsistency is frustrating for fans and must be doubly so for the team and coach who should be able to see the potential if the players were to fire on a regular basis.

There have been some fantastic individual efforts from a range of players - Rakep Patel, Alex Obanda, Steve Tikolo and David Obuya have all produced some fine innings with the bat. Nehemiah Odhiambo, Elijah Otieno and Hiren Varaiya likewise with the ball and the newest members of the squad, Shem Obado and Nelson Odhiambo are also showing that they may have what it takes to be key players for Kenya in the long term.

There is no doubt the potential is there, coach Eldine Baptiste just needs to find a way to get it to be realised on a regular basis.

On a separate note, let us all hope that the reported spat between Steve Tikolo and either the rest of the team or Cricket Kenya is overblown rumour. He has served Kenya too well and too long to leave the team this way. whatever happened in UAE, it is up to both sides to come to a better arrangement that this. Tikolo deserves a proper send off if he really is to retire and Cricket Kenya need his services for another year yet.

Finally, the due date for the applicatrions for CEO of Cricket Kenya has now come and passed. Hopefully there are some quality applications in there and Cricket Kenya will choose someone who will rekindle the glory that was once Kenyan cricket. Good luck to all the applicants.

Cricket Kenya CEO position advertisment

CRICKET KENYA

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Kenya is one of the top two Associate Members on the ODI Championship Table and in 2009 qualified for its fifth successive ICC Cricket World Cup. Nowhere was Kenya’s ability and potential made more apparent than in the 2003 Cricket World Cup when Kenya defeated Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and Bangladesh on their way to the semi-finals of that tournament.

Cricket Kenya (CK) seeks to appoint on a fixed term basis, an experienced, dynamic and energetic individual as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead and manage its activities up to and beyond the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup.

The successful candidate will report to the CK Board and will implement and spearhead the overall vision and strategic direction of CK’s cricket and commercial operations. The position carries an attractive salary package with benefits commensurate with experience.

The CEO will be a non-executive member of the Board and will, on a day to day basis, be responsible to, and work closely with, the Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Hon Treasurer of the CK Board (“the office bearers”).

The CEO would be responsible for delivering in the following key duties:

- Overall responsibility for the day to day administration and financial activities of CK in conjunction with the office bearers and other members of staff

- Effective corporate governance and compliance with statutory requirements

- Strategic Planning, managing, implementation and regular overviews of business planning and long term strategies

- Development planning and youth and women’s programmes

- Financial performance, management and accountability including preparation of Annual Reports, Budgets and Funding Reports.

- Administration and arrangements of CK AGM, Board and Council Meetings.

- Responsibility for developing CK’s organisation, overseeing performance and conduct of all CK staff and regular preparation of all staff appraisals.

- Overseeing all marketing, fund-raising, communication and promotional activities and identifying sponsorship and other funding activities.

- Management of assets and facilities, activities and events

- National Team affairs

- Management of relations with the International Cricket Council (ICC), African Cricket Association (ACA) and other related sporting bodies

- Industrial relations, taxation and employee affairs

- Promotion of CK’s profile with ICC, sponsors, media and all key stakeholders

The CEO should have the following skills and competencies:

- Sound knowledge of information and computer technology

- Tertiary qualification, preferably degree level or equivalent.

- Minimum of 5 years in a senior Management level position preferably with financial and commercial experience

- Be an analytical and creative manager with strong leadership skills who works well under pressure

- Experience in sport, particularly cricket administration, would be advantageous

- Excellent business acumen, interpersonal and project management skills

Applications should include a covering letter and a detailed resume together with the names and contact details of three referees. The covering letter should address how your experience and skills meet the main duties above. Applications should also provide an indication of when the applicant would be available to commence but this would not preclude anyone with the right credentials from being considered. Further details may be requested by CK at a later date. Applications, by email only, should be received by close of business on Friday 19^th February 2010 to:

Samir Inamdar Barbara Kokonya

Chairman Administration Manager

Cricket Kenya Cricket Kenya

inamdar@africaonline.co.ke barbara.kokonya@cricketkenya.co.ke

PLEASE NOTE: Only short listed candidates will be contacted and if you have not been contacted by Friday 26^th February, please be advised that your application was not successful.

Cricket Kenya Press Release regarding Tom Tikolo's resignation

PRESS RELEASE

Cricket Kenya wishes to announce that an inquiry was held by the Cricket Kenya Board on Sunday 20th December 2009 at Parklands Sports Club to consider the allegations of misappropriation of cricket funds made against its Chief Executive Officer, Mr Tom Tikolo (“Mr Tikolo”), by an anonymous group of individuals calling itself “Cricket Kenya Stakeholders”.

These allegations had been circulated to a number of media houses and in light of the serious nature of the allegations made, Cricket Kenya resolved to carry out investigations and to hold an inquiry at the earliest possible opportunity.

Cricket Kenya invited Mr Sharad Rao, Advocate, to assist the Board at the inquiry as an independent advisor. Mr Rao is a former Deputy Public Prosecutor and is Kenya’s current representative on the ICC Code of Conduct Commission. His contribution was invaluable.

The allegations against Mr Tikolo centred around:-

1) A refund given personally to Mr Tikolo amounting to some US$3,000 by Kenya Airways in respect of funds paid by Africa Cricket Association (ACA) for the airfares of players from East Africa who participated in the AfroAsia tournament held in India in 2007.

2) A travel grant of US$ 10,000 payable to Cricket Kenya by the organisers of the Clico Under 15 tournament held in West Indies in 2008 which amount was alleged to have been paid in cash to Mr Tikolo who failed to account for it.

THE KENYA AIRWAYS REFUND

The inquiry considered the investigations carried out which included submissions made by Mr Tikolo as well as enquiries raised with Mr Cassim Suliman (CEO of ACA), Kenya Airways and travel agents in the UK and their respective responses. The following facts are pertinent.

1) Kenya Airways refunded the difference to Mr Tikolo on 4th June 2007. This was paid into his personal account and thereafter topped up on 5th July 2007 by a further remittance from ACA.
2) At the material time, Mr Tikolo was in South Africa on an extended stay attending a course for CEOs at Wits Business School and the ACA AGM in Johannesburg.
3) Mr Cassim Suliman confirmed:-

• that he had several meetings in Johannesburg with Mr Tikolo (in his capacity as ACA tournament director) to discuss the AfroAsia tournament in India which was imminent.
• that the refund related to a Kenyan player (Mr Thomas Odoyo) who was playing league cricket in the UK and who would not be joining the team in Nairobi but would be flying to India directly from London.
• that there were problems with Mr Odoyo's visa to travel and that UK travel agents were dealing with the Indian High Commission to enable Mr Odoyo to travel.
• that Mr Tikolo would utilise all the money paid into his account to pay the UK travel agents for the ticket, for visa services and transport for Mr Odoyo in view of the urgency.
• that Mr Suliman was aware of and approved the course of action taken in order to ensure the player concerned would arrive in time for the tournament.

4) The UK travel agents have confirmed that they duly received payment in full from Mr Tikolo for the services they had rendered.

5) Kenya Airways also confirmed that since Cricket Kenya only had a cash account with them and that since the initial payment had been tendered by Mr Tikolo, they were obliged, in line with their policy, to make out a cheque for the refund in his name.

The inquiry was satisfied with the explanations and evidence received from Mr Tikolo and the other parties involved. In particular, the fact that ACA, who had supplied the funds, was fully aware of and approved the course of action taken by Mr Tikolo, there was no basis for concluding that any misappropriation had taken place in this matter.

THE CLICO TRAVEL GRANT

The inquiry considered the investigations carried out which included submissions made by Mr Tikolo as well as enquiries raised with the organisers of the Clico Under 15 tournament in the West Indies and other participating cricket boards.

In January 2008, the Cricket Kenya Board received details from Mr Tikolo of an invitation for Kenya to participate in an Under 15 tournament in the West Indies sponsored by Clico, a local finance group. The Board was informed that all local expenses (hotels, meals and incidentals) would be met by the hosts leaving the cost of travel to be met by Cricket Kenya. The tour was approved by the Board.

The hosts had, in fact, offered a travel grant of US$10,000 towards the team’s travel. This offer was communicated by the Project Co-ordinator, Mr Anthony Harford, in a private email exchange between himself and Mr Tikolo. When asked how he wished the grant to be disbursed, Mr Tikolo asked that the grant be paid over to him personally in cash when he arrived in the West Indies as Team Manager.

The grant was paid by the hosts to Mr Tikolo in cash as requested. Subsequently, the money was stolen from a bag belonging to Mr Tikolo and he reported this to the hosts requesting assistance.

The inquiry considered the response given by Mr Harford to the query raised with him. Mr Harford advised that Mr Tikolo had reported the loss to him and was worried about the repercussions at home when it was found that the money was missing. Although the hosts were not able to replace the money they agreed, in consultation with West Indies CEO, Dr. Peters, that “they would be willing to assist in defraying expenses for a Kenyan development team up to US$7500 as compensation for the loss of funds” in any future tour made by a Kenyan development team.

Mr Tikolo accepted the inquiry’s findings

• that the grant was money which belonged to Cricket Kenya
• that he should have disclosed the existence of the grant to the Board before he left on tour.
• that he should have disclosed the loss upon his return when reconciling the tour account.
• that his failure to disclose constituted a serious irregularity – irrespective of how honest his intentions may have been.
• that he should have come clean on this episode when questioned about it

Mr Tikolo made it clear that he had no intentions of any dishonesty but felt it best, in the interests of the game, that he should step aside. He confirmed that he was solely responsible for his actions and that the entire Board was unaware of this incident. He further clarified that there was no money due to Cricket Kenya from the AfroAsia tournament in 2007. Cricket Kenya simply made available the three players who were selected to play for the Africa team and each of these players received their match fees and allowances personally in India from the organisers.

Mr Tikolo offered his immediate resignation to the Cricket Kenya Board which was accepted. Mr Tikolo further agreed to reimburse the funds due to Cricket Kenya in full and to work out the modalities of such repayment with the Treasurer at the earliest opportunity.


- END -

Tom Tikolo's Resignation

Following the recent attacks on my character in the press (read Standard Newspapers), I have as on 20^th December, 09 offered to resign as the Chief Executive Officer of Cricket Kenya in an effort not to be seen as an impediment to the general development of the game in the country.

Even as I take this decision to resign, I want to deny any wrong doing in all the dealings mentioned in those allegations. At the same time and for clarity purposes, I want to state that none of CK Board members as constituted have had any dealings whatsoever in the said allegations.

Building CK from scratch to where it is now has been a long, challenging, but extremely satisfying journey. Where we are now, I believe, is right on course. We have cleared all the debts with players, have contracts with the national team, and have built systems to move the game forward. Indeed, the foundation that we have laid is solid. We now have vibrant Provincial Bodies, we have a full time Development Department (with a reach of over 50 schools), we have a full time technical team management, we have fully contracted national team players, fully operational office, growth of Women’s’ cricket (that we now have U15, U19 and Open Age National Teams), Elite National Leagues and age group teams. We have become the hub of East African cricket and ACA has continually looked at CK to host various tournaments.

I am convinced that Kenyan cricket is standing on sound ground. It is my prayer that corporate and well wishers will see the tremendous potential the game has to change lives in this country – and start sponsoring – especially cricket development around the country. That is currently the missing link between our feeders into the national team, and is the limiting factor towards Kenya regaining her position in world class cricket.

When I took office in 2005, I came in with one goal: to bring back confidence in the game – especially in its administration. Cricket brought me to what I am – and I am proud of my record – as a player, Captain, EA Development Manager and finally as the CEO of CK. I would not want this record to be tarnished. Therefore, when my personal mail is hacked into for the purpose of casting aspersions on my integrity, the honorable option for me is to step aside.

I wish all true believers in Kenya’s cricket well. I want to reiterate that the foundation we have laid is right. I look forward to seeing the standards of the game rising to greater heights soon. And that is my prayer.

I must note here that I am an ardent reader of books authored by Robin Sharma and one of his books that I hold very dear is “Who will cry when you die”. For those boys, girls, ladies, gentlemen, men and women that I have inspired and encouraged in this noble game of cricket, I urge you not to cry as I am not dead. But for those faceless enemies that are out to tarnish my reputation, do not rejoice as there is no grave that you will dance around on and collect soil for your traditional rituals.

Finally, I wish to thank the board of CK (which has as members, people of good standing in our society) for the excellent support they have provided, staff for untiring support amidst great challenges, the provincial bodies, media, well wishers, my dear wife and our children and all those who have given me the impetus to give my all: may God bless you all.

Tom J. Tikolo

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...

Cricket Kenya organise Media Challenge

Well after so much sniping from the media it seems that Cricket Kenya have finally decided that it is time to make a more concerted effort to get them to understand the game. Most of reporters on cricket in Kenya do not and have not played themselves so Cricket Kenya has organised an Inter Media Challenge for November 7th 2009.

They have invited teams from the following media groups to participate:

i) Standard Media Group,
ii) The Nation Media Group,
iii) The Kenya Broadcasting Corporation,
iv) The People Daily,
v) Africa One Media (Kiss FM, Jambo Fm, Classic FM, East FM etc)

Format will be eight a-side 10-overs per innings matches and will give the players a good insight into what playing the game really entails. Not only will they get the opportunity to play on the day but Cricket Kenya will also organise training sessions for each of the teams so that they can gear up and actually get the most out of the experience.

Given that they will be given sufficient training that they will not embarrass themselves and that there is plenty of time to prepare and the size of the organisations invited, THERE SHOULD BE NO REASON WHY ALL THE ABOVE CANNOT RAISE A TEAM. Those that don't are plain and simply cowards.

Now the time for loose talk is over. Members of the press who have been so critical of the game and its players will have to put their money where their mouth is. Or their bats where their pens are perhaps would be a better turn of phrase. Who will actually stand up and prove that they have the mettle to learn the game. I hope and expect that most of those who do take part in this will thouroughly enjoy it and if they do, I offer a further challenge:

Submit a joint Media Team to future NPCA competitions. There would be no better way that to further grow an understanding of the more complex parts of the game such as building an innings, scoring centuries, bowling as a partnership etc, all things which can only be guessed at in 10-overs a-side matches.

Failing that, given that all correspondents for Kenya Cricket.com play the game, next time I am in Kenya, we will challenge the winners or a joint team to a match.

Game on and all credit to whoever in Cricket Kenya came up with this idea!

Karura Forest win Nairobi junior development tournament

Organiser Joseph Angara writes:

The mini cricket brought together 5 schools all from nairobi namely Westlands Primary, Karura Forest, Muranga Road, Roysambu and the host Highridge Primary School. Each school was represented by 12 kids and i kept 4 girls in each team, so there were a total of 60 kids playing on the day.

They played 8 overs per side and every school played 4 games. The top two went to the finals but we could not play the 3rd and 4th place because of time.

Karura and Highridge played in the very exciting finals. Karura got 50 runs batting first and ended up the winners as Highridge lost needing 2 runs off the last ball.

Alan Sang of Karura was the Player of the tournament, Jane Achieng of Highridge best fielder and Alan Mbuthia of Westlands was the best bowler.

3rd place went to Westlands, Muranga took 4th and Roysambu 5th position.

Menengai Primary win Cricket Kenya Rift Valley Junior Tournament

Menengai Primary School defeated Nakuru Day by 1 run to win the Cricket Kenya Rift Valley Province Junior Cricket tournament played at Nakuru Athletics Club. Menengai scored 61 runs for eight wickets -the target that favorites Nakuru failed to reach. The side needed eight runs in the last over with three wickets in hand failed to do that as Gideon Kipmgeno picked two wickets and forced a run out before Fanuel failed to score two runs of the last ball.
Yusuf Mwangi and George Owino top scored for Menengai with 18 and 16 runs respectively with Hussein Mohammed picking two wickets in the innings.

However, Nakuru Day girls team revenged and defeated Menengai girls by 5 wickets in the girls final also played at the same venue. Ruth Keiro scored a quick fire 21 to achieve the set target of 54 even after Laura Adhiambo had picked three wickets. Daniella Talong had scored 20 for Menengai. Joan Njeri from St. Joseph was voted the best player of the tournament.
St. Joseph was third in the boys with the girls team also being third.

The following were also voted best players:
1. Best Batter (B) –Hamisi Juma (Nakuru)
2. bowler (B)- Charles Amusama (Menengai)
3. Batter (G)- Ruth Keiro (Nakuru)
4. Bowler (G)- Laura Adhiambo (Menengai)
5. Fielder –Marvin Shimenga (Menengai)
6. MVP (B) –Yusuf Mwangi (Menengai)
7. MVP (G) –Joan Njeri (St. Joseph)

The tournament was organised by Cricket Kenya Rift Valley Province Development Officers David Asiji and Joseph Somba. National Ladies team wicketkeeper Maria Aimee was also in attendance to give the new girls morale.

Report courtesy of Dun Okinyo

More on the new National Coach saga

While we wait to hear who Cricket Kenya decide on to lead the team up to the next World Cup, rumour continues to abound. Richard Mwangi in a recent article stated that the 5 shortlisted candidates were being flown out to Kenya for interviews. In fact what is happening is that one of the shortlisted candidates offered to come and make a presentation in Kenya as to his views and plans for Kenyan cricket. Cricket Kenya intended to use this trip as an opportunity to interview that candidate while the other candidates will either be interviewed by phone or by Samir Inamdar when he travels to England on ICC business later in August.

Inamdar confirms that CK have shortlisted 5 possible candidates from an initial application pool of around 20. CK will not however release names at this stage so there is no way of knowing if any of the previously touted candidates are genuinely in contention. The most recent rumour from the Times of India is that Anshuman Gaekwad has been linked with the post. Previously both Balwinder Sandhu and Allan Butcher were thought to be the preferred candidates.

In terms of Martin Suji acting as coach for the Canada tour, Inamdar has this to say: "We had already decided that Martin Suji who was assistant coach under Andy Kirsten would be the preferred coach for this tour. He has been with the team for about a year and a half."

Suji is a good choice to lead the team to Canada, but even should he do a great job, it seems that we will still have a coach from abroad taking over. Hopefully CK will make the decision before Kenya's next international fixtures, time is already getting increasingly short...

Cricket Kenya's Long Awaited response to U19 WC venue change

Finally Cricket Kenya's Press Release on this. Articulate and thorough, but too late to repair the damage done by their inability to respond earlier. Had this been released in the week after the decision, one might have more sympathy. That much of it is in response to the Article in the Standard on July 21st reflects the urgency of Cricket Kenya on this matter. Had they acted quicker, that article in the Standard need never have been written. Cricket Kenya needs to remember how important the public and fans are to the survival of this game. So far they are making a good job of alienating both.

Anyway, it is long, so without further ado read it and make your own judgement:

PRESS RELEASE

UNDER 19 CRICKET WORLD CUP

Cricket Kenya wishes to express its deep disappointment at the decision by the ICC to remove its hosting rights for the Under 19 Cricket World Cup to be held in February 2010.

As a consequence of this decision, Cricket Kenya believes it is necessary to give a full account to explain its position with the facts and to counter some of the grossly misleading stories appearing in the local media.

BACKGROUND

In 2006, at the invitation of the ICC to its members to host various ICC feature events, Kenya successfully bid for the hosting rights of the 2010 event. The ICC’s declared policy to improve the profile of the game and to promote it globally led it to assure its members that all Under 19 World Cups would be staged in an Associate country. Malaysia was granted hosting rights for the 2008 event, with Kenya following in 2010 and Canada in 2012.

Kenya was proud to bid for the event. Contrary to the misinformed comment in Mr Waindi’s article in the East African Standard of 21^st July 2009 that the Cricket Kenya “arguably” (sic) stood to make US$8 million, there was no real financial gain to be made. This event is an ICC feature event. Advertising, media and broadcasting rights belong solely to the ICC and their partners. The hosting fee receivable by Kenya was US$150,000.

It was nevertheless important for such an event to be in Kenya. It was an unrivalled opportunity to spread interest in the game and elevate the country into a true cricket destination – quite apart from the benefits that would inevitably accrue to other business sectors in Kenya.

The Under 19 World Cup involves 16 countries participating in four groups involving 44 matches being played over 15 days. It includes a Plate event which runs in tandem with the main event. The Kenya event requirement was for at least 14 separate first class venues, 7 to be used for matches and 7 as full practice facilities. Since the 2008 Malaysian event had drawn criticism for allegedly poor outfields and wickets, the ICC felt, somewhat belatedly after that event, that it was now imperative that such events were hosted on playing surfaces (on both match and practice grounds) that were “first-class”.

Kenya’s potential to host this event was judged on that basis of the suitability of its playing surfaces - and that basis alone. There was no issue with any of its other facilities – either on or off the field as stated in Mr Waindi’s article in the Standard of 21^st July 2009.

It should be made clear that nowhere in the hosting agreement is there any mention of any requirement relating to the standards of the playing surfaces or any time limit for preparations. The host country is simply expected to have its facilities ready by the time of the event.

The intention to develop venues countrywide was conscious and deliberate and Cricket Kenya firmly stands by that decision. It would have been logistically impossible to host this tournament in Nairobi alone which simply does not have sufficient grounds capable of being turned into first class venues for a tournament of this kind. Both Mombasa and Nakuru have existing cricket grounds which are more than capable of being turned into top venues.

THE INSPECTIONS

Cricket Kenya had been in contact the ICC Events office on the requirements for this tournament since 2006, but were asked to wait until after the 2008 Malaysian event.

The first inspection by the ICC was carried out in October 2008 – a mere 15 months before the event. ICC’s inspector, Andy Atkinson, reported that although Kenya had sufficient venues, considerable work was necessary to upgrade the outfields on existing venues and to put in place sufficient resources, equipment and manpower to ensure that the newly constructed venues in Mombasa and Nakuru were ready on time.

Based on that report, Cricket Kenya prepared an estimate amounting to some $250,000 for the cost of carrying out these works at the 14 venues across the country (8 in Nairobi, 4 in Mombasa and 2 in Nakuru). This was submitted it to the ICC for consideration and guidance in January 2009 and followed up by several requests by Cricket Kenya in January and February 2009 for meetings to discuss its request for assistance for finance and expertise. These meetings were cancelled by ICC management for a variety of reasons notably lack of time and unavailability of staff. Ultimately, Cricket Kenya was advised that, having bid for the event, it would be expected to rely on its own resources for such preparations or alternatively seek a loan. Its hosting fee of US$150,000 could only be released after completion of the event.

In February 2009, ICC management unilaterally decided to call for alternate hosts. New Zealand offered to host the event if Kenya was found to be unready. New Zealand Cricket indicated, however that they would need to know if they were hosting the event no later than June 2009 to enable them to organise their domestic season. This approach by ICC to other countries was done without prior consultation with Cricket Kenya.

In March 2009, in the absence of any meaningful response on its request for support, Cricket Kenya decided to go ahead with its grounds renovation programme without any further delay. It engaged contractors, mobilised equipment and material and commenced work at the various grounds in Nairobi, Mombasa and Nakuru. Completion of all ground construction (to include preparation of wickets and grass seeding) was achieved by end April at the new venues at Coast Gymkhana (Mombasa) and Rift Valley Sports Club and Greensteds School (both in Nakuru). It also began to upgrade its existing venues in Nairobi. The cost of these works, so far, is well in excess of US$150,000 and Cricket Kenya has utilised and committed its own resources for this purpose – including the recent purchase of grounds machinery which (in the region of US$ 50,000) to enable it to support the various clubs and schools involved, none of whom have such equipment.

Subsequent inspections by the ICC inspector in April and May 2009 were inconclusive. The reports indicated that although great strides were being made and that it could be possible to hold the event in Kenya, the risk was that time was short and given the amount of work to be done to upgrade to “first class status” it would not be possible to guarantee suitability until later in the year. These reports clearly indicated that the fulfilment of these objectives was hampered by the lack of equipment and expertise at each venue but acknowledged that Cricket Kenya had lately made significant progress in the work it had carried out and was allocating substantial resources towards its grounds. This progress included Cricket Kenya’s decision of seeking support from Cricket South Africa and Cricket Zimbabwe for grounds consultants ending up with visits from Peter Muzzell of CSA and Ian Kemp and Roy Kwari (both from CZ) to support our clubs’ grounds men work.

THE DECISION

At the ICC meetings held in June, the ICC Chief Executives Committee (CEC) considered the presentation made by Cricket Kenya and also discussed the position with Mr Atkinson who had just inspected the grounds again. In his June report, he again pointed out the insufficiency of time as a possible problem. On the basis that there was no “guarantee” that the grounds would be ready on time and that the alternate host, New Zealand, required an immediate answer to enable it to prepare, the CEC recommended:-

(i) that the tournament be moved to New Zealand;

(ii) based on the standard of first-class facilities required, Cricket Canada be asked whether it would be ready to host the event in 2012;

(iii) if Canada stepped down as host, Kenya be invited to host the 2012 event, subject to meeting strict timelines set by management to be ready with the required facilities

The ICC Board endorsed this decision notwithstanding the very strong support Kenya received from India and South Africa to retain the event in Kenya for 2010.

The ICC Board also agreed to refer Kenya’s claim for reimbursement of the costs it had incurred by channelling any such claim through its normal processes.

It should be noted that this decision to move the event was taken eight months before the tournament was due to be held

THE IMPLICATIONS

Cricket Kenya is saddened by what it considers to be a wholly premature and unjustified decision to move this event. No account appears to have been taken of the efforts it had made and the need for support it had requested. It is also difficult, with the benefit of hindsight, to resist the conclusion that such a move was premeditated given the manner in which an alternate host was procured. This is not the first time that Kenya has hosted such an important fixture and Cricket Kenya has maintained throughout its dealings with ICC that it would be ready by the time the tournament was to take place.

The ICC’s Associates and Affiliates informal meeting in June (which was attended by all 94 non-Test playing countries) condemned this decision. The meeting questioned the ICC’s commitment to development which ran completely contrary to its existing policy so far as hosting rights of this event are concerned.

Having learned of the difficulties that Kenya had undergone and the financial responsibilities involved, Cricket Canada have expressed grave reservations as to whether it is capable of hosting the 2012 event. It has agreed to report to the ICC on this once it had considered the matter further with its Board.

With ICC taking this decision a lot of the positive developments that Cricket Kenya had managed to bring on board are now left hanging. Some of these positives, apart from undertaking huge investments in grounds upgrading are as follows: -

• A tournament paper had been drafted for discussion by the Kenya Government’s cabinet through the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

• Ministries such as Sports and Youth Affairs, Finance, Internal Security, Immigration, Local Government, Tourism and Transport had been approached personally and have been in liaison with Cricket Kenya to support the event.

• The Government of Kenya had agreed to assist in the preparation of our U19 Team.

• The Ministry of Tourism had agreed to host a grand opening ceremony in the national park to be graced by H. E. The Prime Minister of Kenya.

• The ICC Events and Cricket Kenya offices had already finalised the preparation of the tournament hosting budgets after poring over a total of 9 drafts.

• Cricket Kenya had brought on board various service providers as partners in areas such as accommodation, local transport, medical services, security etc all of whom had expressed their willingness to come on board.

• Bearing in mind that Cricket Kenya has no ground facilities of its own; we had to enter into partnerships with all the various Club owners on long term developments of the ground facilities. These discussions alone took quite some time to finalise.

• Cricket Kenya had made inroads in developing partnerships with the concerned Local Government authorities for service provision during the tournament.

These are very positive strides that would have propelled cricket in this country to greater heights in bringing the game closer to the Kenyan population on an international platform.

Cricket Kenya rejects outright the patronising and inaccurate assertion made in the editorial in The East African Standard on 22^nd July 2009 that it “went to sleep” after securing hosting rights to this tournament in 2006 and that it was incapable of working to a “set timetable”. As can be seen from the above, Cricket Kenya has done whatever it could possibly do to ensure, in the absence of any support, that the required works were commenced – notwithstanding the fact that the “timetable” to get its venues in order by June was only set by ICC in April this year.

THE FUTURE

Cricket Kenya stands by its commitment to improving the grounds at all its venues in Nairobi, Mombasa and Nakuru. This is in line with the agreements it has entered into with the various clubs and schools. It also gives cricket in Kenya additional venues to enable promotion of the game outside its traditional boundaries.

The new ground facilities in Mombasa (at Coast Gymkhana and Aryans Sports Club) and in Nakuru (at Rift Valley Sports Club and Greensteds School) are well on track and will be ready before the end of 2009. New irrigation facilities for the Nakuru grounds have already been installed at both venues and are now fully operational.

All major Nairobi and Mombasa grounds are in the process of being upgraded by levelling outfields and installing irrigation facilities where possible.

Cricket Kenya remains committed to ensuring this work is completed and to secure the 2012 event in the event Canada decides to give up its rights.

Kind Regards

(Not signed as sent electronically)

Tom J. Tikolo

Chief Executive