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.