Why kenya cricket team is not playing
Cricket in Kenya has been loved and cherished, having been played for over 100 years. The Kenyan cricket team became official participants of international cricket in the year 1981. Their performance has fluctuated since then until they took a break from major tournaments. In this article, we are going to explore why the Kenya cricket team is not playing.
Kenya Cricket Progress
The national team made it as an associate member in the International Cricket Council (ICC) by the 1990s. They experienced their finest moment during the 2003 World Cup when they reached the semi-finals. Unfortunately, the victory was short-lived due to both internal and external forces that saw their decline in the subsequent years after 2003.
Many people wondered what happened to the exceptionally talented team which had everyone’s attention on Kenya’s sporting prowess at one point?
Sports Politics Impact
One reason as to why Kenyan cricket declined can be traced back to politics within the Sports sectors of Kenya and ICC. It seems after reaching the world cup semi-final in 2003 ICC decided not to support second-tier sides like Kenya but instead pumped more resources into test-playing nations. This resulted in further weakening of already struggling Associate Members’ cricket systems just like Kenya’s.
KCFC’s Governance Issues
Moreover, administration shifts at the top level of Cricket also affected its operations largely. Greediness among some board members who coveted vital seats led to robust conflicts amidst them, making cooperative decisions nearly impossible. Regrettably, this flowed upstream affecting players who had to endure inadequate facilities, delayed payments, poor training conditions amongst other challenges brought about by corrupt dealings done by such administrators leading many talented players either retiring from cricket or moving out seeking greener pastures.
Fund Misappropriation
The mismanagement didn’t stop at power control. Media reports highlighted allegations of fund misappropriation leading to cases that went to court, dragging on for years with hardly any justice served to those affected.
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Lack of Development Structures
Lack of cricket structures in Kenya has also been a challenge hindering the growth of this remarkable sport. Despite having produced some stunning players, Kenya’s failure to have a consistent domestic structure is an element that has held them back from reaching their potential.
Inadequate Facilities
Moreover, poor facilities flip interest away from emerging young talents that could shape the future game if they got correctly nurtured using the right channels and resources. Lack of coaching complexes and the fact that Nairobi Gymkhana, owned by an Indian community group, remains the only internationally recognized cricket stadium in the country shows how undeveloped cricket is at grassroots levels.
Less Exposure Opportunities
The reduced exposure to international cricket events disturbingly impacts aspiring cricketers since lack of participation reduces motivation levels and hinders skill development necessary for nurturing globally competitive players.
Kenyan Cricket Future Prospects
Currently, Kenyan cricket hangs in uncertainty with many hoping for things to change soon due to love for this sport embedded within Kenyans’ hearts. If aggressive measures get taken in rooting out vices plaguing it currently like corruption and ineptitude while boosting development frameworks starting right from county levels then definitely brighter days await Kenyan cricket ahead.
Youth programs should be instituted targeting schools which act as perfect nurseries bringing forth immense talent likely ignored or underutilized today. These steps together with solid training programs set up would imbibe discipline among upcoming athletes keeping them focused towards achieving their dreams progressively instilling proper values in turn saving such sports from demise that faces them today.
Do not count Kenya’s exit yet despite these challenges facing her team; amid adversity lies fear but also the will to overcome it. Many cricket-loving Kenyans are eagerly waiting for a resurrection era. Cricket as a sport still enjoys considerable popularity among many Kenyans who would be glad seeing its strengths go much beyond what was achieved in earlier glory days.
