West African Championships: Draw announced

The 13th West African Championships will go ahead later this month despite concerns held by visiting countries, Gambia, Ghana and Nigeria over security in the host nation, Sierra Leone.

The Championships will commence in the capital, Freetown, with Sierra Leone, also the title holders, taking on Ghana in opening day action on Sunday, April 22. The match will follow the Opening Ceremony.

Nigeria, returning to the Championships after missing last year, begins its Championship quest against Gambia the following day.

Ghana Cricket Association official, David Quagraine, said it would be fielding a young team at the titles. The Ghanaian squad is likely to consist totally of Africans.

The Championships will serve as a selection trial for the West African squad to contest this year's ICC Trophy in Toronto, Canada.

The annual general meeting of the West African Cricket Conference will be held on the rest day of the Championships on Thursday, April 26.

'Beyond The Test World' will provide a preview of the Championships in the next edition.

The tournament schedule:
Sat. April 21 -  Arrival of teams and pre-tournament meeting
Sun. April 22 -  The opening ceremony
Sierra Leone vs. Ghana
Mon. April 23 -  Gambia       vs. Nigeria
Tue. April 24 -  Ghana        vs. Nigeria
Wed. April 25 -  Sierra Leone vs. Gambia
Thu. April 26 -  Rest day     - WACC Annual General Meeting
Fri. April 27 -  Sierra Leone vs. Nigeria
Sat. April 28 -  Ghana        vs. Gambia