SA pull out of Sharjah, Kenya may step in

It does not come as too much of a surprise that World Cup 2003 semi-finalists Kenya are likely to fill South Africa’s place in the Shar...

It does not come as too much of a surprise that World Cup 2003 semi-finalists Kenya are likely to fill South Africa’s place in the Sharjah tournament after the latter decided to pull out, citing security concerns in the wake of the war.

While South Africa’s involvement in the first major international tournament (between April 1-10) after the World Cup was always dodgy after Bush decided to invade Iraq, the board’s decision to stay away does not come as a surprise; only that it took so long to come to the decision.

As the second semi-final and final were played out against the background and pictures of Baghdad being bombed flooded televisions screens, Kenya’s involvement in Sharjah had already been floated in some ICC circles. Yet even the ICC, it is now understood, is bothered by the prospect of an international tournament taking place while a war rages in the region.

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UCB chief executive Gerald Majola said the board were holding discussions with Sharjah tournament organisers as to possible alternative venues and or dates for the tournament to be held. This might mean moving the tournament to Morocco where it will be played before a TV audience of thousands but an empty stadium. Kenya are in need of more exposure for the players and involvement in this tournament which also includes Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

In one move which does not come as a surprise, Aravinda de Silva, has been appointed as a selector after the current mob botched the selection by axing Kumar Sangakkara from the Sharjah-bound squad. Other new selectors are likely to be appointed.

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