Et tu Bvute?

A report in the Nairobi-based Daily Nation says that several Kenyan players are considering boycotting next month's Intercontinental Cup match against Namibia because of a contractual dispute with the Kenyan Cricket Association (KCA).

The squad, together with a new captain, is to be named shortly, but some players are likely to be omitted after clashing with the board over a decision by the KCA to extend their contracts only until the end of November.

Steve Tikolo, who resigned as captain after Kenya's exit from the Champions Trophy, said he would personally not sign a two-month contract. He was quoted as saying: "Giving us a contract until the end of November means that after that date when Kenya has no international fixtures, we are discarded."

The players involved are due to address the media at a separate press conference on Wednesday.

Sharad Ghai, the KCA's chairman, said this position had been forced on the board due to lack of funds. "I had said before that unless we find a sponsor, it is going to be difficult to keep the players on contract and nothing has changed so far," he explained. "The seniors said they want at least a year's contract, but we say no because we do not have the resources - they need to give us more time to get a sponsor.

"If they do not play, too bad - but I have faith in the younger players to do well against Namibia, I believe they have a point to prove and are more hungry," he added. "I don't mind losing, we must have the courage to lose today so we can win tomorrow."