Odumbe named in squad for Champions Trophy

Maurice Odumbe has been named in a provisional 30-man Kenyan squad for the ICC Champions Trophy, according to a report in the Kenyan Daily Nation. The Kenyan selectors' move is significant because Odumbe came under the ICC's scanner for what it termed "inappropriate contact with a bookmaker", a claim that Odumbe denied vehemently.

Odumbe was adamant that he did not know the businessman that he was in touch with was also a bookmaker, and he denied allegations that he had taken money to throw matches. Odumbe is alleged to have received payments from at least one Mumbai bookmaker in 2002, so that he could coerce his team-mates into underperforming in matches.

If found guilty, Odumbe - who has been the face of Kenyan cricket, along with Steve Tikolo, since that astonishing win over West Indies in the 1996 World Cup - faces a life ban. A formal hearing will start in Nairobi on July 27, and is expected to last five days. Both Odumbe and the ICC will have the opportunity to put forward their case, and call witnesses.

Odumbe's lawyer compared the case to others in the past, and said that the ICC had dealt with his client's case differently, even though there was little evidence to support the charge.

But by selecting Odumbe for the squad, the Kenyan selectors have diverged with the common worldwide practice of not picking players currently under investigation. It could be viewed as evidence of the faith that they have in Odumbe, but equally, it could be interpreted as backing for one of the few genuine matchwinners in the Kenyan team.