Odumbe named in Champions Trophy squad

Kenya's selectors have included Maurice Odumbe in their 14-man squad for the ICC Champions Trophy in England, though he could be handed a lengthy ban when the ICC gives its verdict on a match-fixing case involving him on August 16. However, there is no place in the 14 for Collins Obuya, the legspinner who recently had an operation for a swollen appendix.

"It is not easy to recover immediately after an appendix operation," said Harilal Shah, the chief selector, defending the decision to leave out Obuya. "We will not be sure about his fitness."

Odumbe, 35, faces charges of inappropriate contact with an Indian bookmaker, but his allround prowess and ability to bowl tidy offspin has won him a place on the plane to England, depending of course on the ICC decision. If found guilty of the charges, he could face a minimum two-year suspension or a life ban, as well as a fine.

Josephat Ababu, who impressed in a four-day match against Pakistan A, has also been recalled to the team after two years. There is also representation for young talent, with Ragheb Aga, Malhar Patel - both batsmen - and Morris Ouma, a pace bowler, included. The team will warm up for the Champions Trophy with a triangular series against India A and Pakistan A which starts on August 11.

Kenya squad for Champions Trophy: Steve Tikolo (capt), Kennedy Obuya (wk), Ravindu Shah, Hitesh Modi, Maurice Odumbe, Ragheb Aga, Malhar Patel, Peter Ogondo, Josephat Ababu, Martin Suji, Thomas Odoyo, Morris Ouma, Lamech Onyango, Tony Suji.