Kenya chief: Give us more games

Sharad Ghai, the chairman of the Kenyan Cricket Association, has called on the International Cricket Council to push for Kenya to be given more matches against major nations, arguing that the lack of exposure is hampering their development.

"How are we expected to improve without a chance to play the likes of Australia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, West Indies, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, England, Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh?" he asked. "You can see the progress Bangladesh has made because they have a chance to play the top teams."

Ghai added that Kenya only has seven guaranteed one-day internationals ahead of the 2007 World Cup. Since reaching the semi-finals of the 2003 tournament a year ago, Kenya have played three ODIs - all in Sharjah - against leading countries. They have also met Sri Lanka A as well as participating in the Caribbbean's Carib Beer Series.

The next competitive matches will be against Pakistan A and India A in Nairobi in August.

The KCA has severe financial difficulties and is still seeking a major sponsor to fund either the senior team or any of the domestic competitions.