Crucial South Africa v Kenya match abandoned

The crucial first round match between Kenya and South Africa was abandoned at 2.25pm without a ball being bowled. Persistent rain during the morning left large patches of standing water on the outfield. The covers were removed to reveal a small wet patch on the wicket.

The match referee, Mr Roger Wijesooriya, was only prepared for the match to commence if both sides agreed to play. The South Africans, who are now in danger of not reaching the super league stages, were keen to play but the Kenyan management was insistent that conditions were dangerous.

With the teams unable to agree, the decision was referred to the umpires, E.K.G Wijewardana and T.H. Wijewardana. They decided the pitch was unsuitable for play and officially abandoned the match.

After the decision CRICINFO spoke exclusively to the South African and Kenyan managers. The South African manager, Keke Dali, was visibly angry and aggrieved by the decision when he said, they wanted my opinion as manager as to whether we could play. I spoke to the Captain and we agreed that the pitch was not dangerous we could play.

The Kenyans totally decided not to play. The umpires then decided that no play was possible. I asked them for the reason and they said that Kenya did not want to play. It would have been better if I had been told that pitch was dangerous. The wet patch on the wicket would not affected play.

He further stated If Kenya refuse to play they are not promoting the interest of cricket here, because we are not only here to play cricket but are here to promote the interests of the game.

Edward Odumde defended his decision, stating the conditions were not favorable after two hours of heavy rain throughout the morning session up to about 2pm.. The match referee offered me the option of playing the game but I of course objected because the conditions were dangerous for my players.

Whilst the South Africans were understandably upset, especially after being robbed of an opportunity to play in their first match, but should be able to understand the decision of the Kenyans. The ground was extremely wet and needed at least one hour of drying time. This would leave insufficient time for the completion of a 25 over match.

The South Africans now face Pakistan in a crucial encounter at Kurunegala on Saturday. They have to win if they are to have a chance of reaching the Super League. Kenya and Nepal now have a chance of qualifying. If South Africa lose then the winner of the Nepal/Kenya game on the same day will proceed to the Super League.