Kola Burger out of World Cup Qualifiers

Six weeks before the start of the ICC World Cup Qualifiers, Namibia have been dealt a major blow after two of their leading players declared themselves unavailable for selection.

The tournament not only decides which four Associates will qualify for the 2011 World Cup, but also which six countries will have full ODI status for the next four years. Namibia are considered one of the most likely of those countries without one-day status at the moment to break through in South Africa in April. But they will have to do so without Kola Burger and Stefan Swanepoel.

Swanepoel cited work commitments as his reason for opting out, but the absence of Burger is not as clear, with rumours circulating that he had fallen out with the board. It is reported that he has refused to play since being dropped in January.