ICC in plea over troubled tournament

The International Cricket Council has stepped into the row overshadowing the Tri-nation series due to be staged in Nairobi between Pakistan, Australia and Kenya.

The dispute could even threaten Kenya's right to host the two World Cup games scheduled for the country next year.

The ICC came out in support of the Kenya Cricket Association on Thursday in response to statements issued by the Kenyan Sports Minister who it said had stated the series was not to proceed as the government did not recognise the authority of the KCA.

"The ICC would urge the Kenyan government and the KCA to put any issues behind them and work together for the benefit of Kenyan cricket and for the...World Cup in 2003," said the statement.

Kenya is one of 14 nations in the World Cup in 2003, to be staged mainly in South Africa, though Kenya is scheduled to host two of the games.

ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed said: "It is important that this dispute is resolved so as to remove uncertainty concerning Kenya's right to host World Cup matches."

KCA officials are unhappy that their government want to get involved with organising the series, recently moved to Nairobi from Pakistan over security concerns and due to take place from August 29 to September 7.

Kenyan Minister for Sport, Francis Nyenze, wants the Pakistan board to work with the National Sports Council and a caretaker committee he set up on May 17.

Nyenze dissolved the KCA that same day amid allegations of financial mismanagement, though the High Court has since overturned the decision and re-instated the KCA's elected officials.

Mail Cricket Editor