Sponsors look to extend Kenya deal

Ihsan Sports is seeking to extend its sponsorship contract with Cricket Kenya beyond next year's World Cup, the company's director Majid Khan told The Nation newspaper.

Khan explained that talks were underway with Cricket Kenya to extend the deal, which is currently worth Sh3.2 million (US$ 45,000). The original conract was signed in February 2006 and ran until the end of the World Cup in April 2007.

"We hope to work longer with Cricket Kenya because I believe that we can develop a strong partnership to develop the sport here in many ways," Khan added.

The Kenyan board has been desperately seeking sponsors since it took control 18 months ago. The reluctance of firms to get involved has largely been because of the game's tarnished reputation which resulted from bitter infighting under the previous regime.