Kenyan govt orders probe into national team row

Kenya's government has ordered an investigation into a row between the national cricket team and executives that has plunged the game into crisis.

The Kenya Cricket Association sacked 11 members of the national team earlier this month, accusing them of holding the national body to ransom by demanding more money.

It also cancelled a two-month tour of India and Bangladesh which should have begun this week.

Sports Minister Katana Ngala said he had ordered a six-man committee to investigate the dispute and report back to him by the end of March.

"I expect that the first and most urgent matter of this committee will be to resolve the issue of the players in order not to prejudice Kenya's cricket aspirations internationally," he told a news conference.

The KCA condemned the decision, accusing the minister of being discourteous by not consulting the body first.

But the players welcomed the move. Captain Maurice Odumbe, among those sacked, said the decision was a "major step in the right direction".

"It is my sincere hope that the committee shall move fast and give favourable results," he said.

The players have said they would challenge their sackings in court.

They have demanded better salaries, higher appearance fees and medical cover.

Ngala said he was angered by the cancellation of the tour to India and Bangladesh and banned the KCA from holding any meetings until the government team had completed its investigations.

"The achievement of the cricketers and international commitments should not be undermined," he said.

The committee was also mandated to investigate the KCA's finances, which have been called into question by provincial associations.

Related reports

Kenya captain calls on ICC to defuse sacking crisis
Kenyan players head for court
11 Kenya players sacked, India tour off.

Mail Cricket Editor