KCA league totally marginalised

The ongoing dispute between the Kenya Cricket Association and the provincial boards marred the opening weekend of matches in the Nairobi Provincial Cricket Association league, as umpires boycotted games in a strike over pay. But, that aside, the season started well.

According to the KCA, its own rival league will start in three weeks time, but it already appears to be strangled at birth. Almost all leading players and clubs have opted to play in the NPCA league, and those clubs who have backed the KCA version have lost players in droves.

Last week, Ruaraka withdrew from the NPCA league and are reported to be unable to field a side after seven top players walked out as a result. It is a sad time for Ruaraka, who were one of the pioneers of cricket in Kenya. Three Obuya brothers - Kennedy, Collins and Charles - all left Ruaraka for the Narobi-based Jafferys. "We had to leave because we want to play cricket," Kennedy told The Daily Nation.

Ruaraka officials claim the club's withdrawal from the NPCA league so late in the day was not motivated by politics. But its grounds are the home of the KCA, and the other high-profile club to boycott the NPCA league - Simba Union - are home of the KCA's Academy. Simba Union also suffered defections following its decision.

It was rumoured that a third side - Sir Ali - would also pull out as they are home to the national squad net facilities. But an official of the club said that the view was that is was more important for their cricketers to play the game at the highest level.