Rebel players spurned by franchises

ESPNcricinfo has learned that the eight Kenyan players who refused to agree to national contracts and were subsequently dropped by their franchises have had their request to rejoin the team rebuffed.

The eight did not agree to the terms offered by Cricket Kenya, resulting in the board offering deals to alternative players. They also withdrew from the second round of matches in the two new East Africa competitions giving than 24 hours notice, resulting in them being barred by their franchises. With Kenya's selection based on performances in those tournaments that in effect ruled them out as far as the selectors were concerned.

In the past players have used similar tactics to hold the board to ransom, but now things have changed. Faced with CK's steadfast approach, the rebels approached their franchises to ask if they could return, but were told that would not be possible.

It is likely CK will look to broker a deal, but with only two rounds of games left, as well as a finals weekend, it seems unlikely if any of them will be back this year.