Surprise World Cup semifinalists Kenya will replace South Africa in next month’s Sharjah Cup, a cricket official said today. “We have consulted with the sports minister and we’ve been told we can go ahead because other countries are participating,” said Jimmy Rayani, chairman of the Kenya Cricket Association. “The players are happy to go.” The tournament’s organisers, the Cricketers Benefit Fund Series, yesterday invited Kenya and Zimbabwe to play in the $250,000 event after South Africa withdrew because of security concerns prompted by the US-led war in Iraq. South Africa, Pakistan and Sri Lanka were supposed to play in the tournament which was originally scheduled for April 1-10. CBFS was forced to postpone the starting date to April 3 after South Africa’s withdrawal on Monday. India’s performance laudedPort of Spain: Trinidad’s former minister of sports Manohar Ramsaran has congratulated India for their stupendous performance at the recent World Cup in South Africa. “Although they were beaten by Australia in the final, India played attractive and excellent cricket throughout,” Ramsaran said. “I am sure I speak on behalf of the Indian diaspora worldwide when I say I was extremely proud of India’s performance. “Though the West Indies, our glamorous and exciting regional team, left early, I thought the Indian team was followed with keen interest,” Ramsaran added.
