Kenya host associates for pre-World Cup tournament

The much anticipated 2007 World Cup is just around the corner but, before the Caribbean welcomes the world's players, Kenya are the hosts for a tournament no less significant for those participating: the World Cricket League (WCL).

The tournament, comprising teams from Canada, Netherlands, Bermuda, Scotland, Ireland and Kenya, begins on January 30 with the final on February 7. In what is a vital warm-up for the six associate members before the World Cup they are also playing for an added financial incentive; the two finalists will qualify for next September's inaugural Twenty20 World Championship and receive $250,000.

It will be staged at three grounds: Nairobi Gymkhana, Nairobi Jaffreys and Ruaraka in the Kenyan capital.

"[The] ICC match referee Mike Proctor inspected all the grounds in June and made recommendations on what needed to be done," said Tom Tikolo, chief executive of Cricket Kenya. "We are improving the scoreboards, outfields, pavilions, changing rooms and showers."

Click here for the World Cricket League schedule