KCA accused of racism in team selection

The Kenya Cricket Association (KCA) has been stung by accusations that its selection of only one black player in the 14-man U19 squad for the World Cup qualifying tournament is racist.

As soon as the squad was named the protests started with critics arguing that the selection did not mirror Kenya's multiracial society. Timothy Muange, a wicketkeeper-batsman who played for the title-wining Swamibapa side, is the only indigenous Kenyan in the side.

The objections have been given more force by the inclusion of three Kenyan-based Indian citizens. Jimmy Rayani, chairman of the KCA, defended the decision by withdrawing behind the ICC's player eligibility rules under which the three qualify to represent Kenya. "We do not want to be disadvantaged against other teams at international level," he explained, "and that is why it is our desire that we send our strongest team possible for the tournament."

But that hasn't mollified the protestors. "The message we are sending to other cricket-playing nations is that we don't have enough players to make up a truly Kenyan team," one said. "What is the use of having foreigners in the team when we are trying to get Test status? Who knows where they will be tomorrow?"

The reality is that cricket in Kenya continues to be far more popular among the Asian community, and despite the best efforts of the ICC and KCA the indigenous population remain largely indifferent to the game.