By Joel Odidi The chairman of selectors for national cricket players Nasoor Verjee has stepped down. According to Cricket Kenya (CK) Chief Executive Tom Sears, Verjee has indicated that he does not wish to continue as a national selector. Subsequently, CK is now seeking to recruit new selectors in what he termed as ‘a review of the selection process for national teams’. Sears said: "It is evident that we do not have the necessary provisions in place to ensure we have a robust selection and talent identification programme and it is an area we need to address." Outgoing national cricket team selectors chairman Nasoor Verjee. [PHOTO:STANDARD/FILE]
He said the new selectors’ role will include working alongside the national coach and captain in selecting the national squad. They will also be tasked with ensuring that all representative teams and eligible players are monitored to make the most of the talent that is available.
The federation is looking for people with high level cricketing experience who want to play a positive role in the future of CK.
scrutinise process
Sears confirmed they arrived at this decision after conducting a comprehensive review of every aspect of how the national side is run, thus the need to scrutinise the selection process closely.
This comes in the wake of a recent player strike (in June, 2010), which in part, was about the way the selectors operated.
CK was forced to cancel a short tour to England after a contractual dispute arose between the board and players on the eve of the trip. The players refused to travel unless the board agreed to their contract demands.
one step away
Meanwhile, the Kenyan Under-19 squad are one step away from reaching the ICC Under-19 World Cup after securing a top two place in the African qualifying event.
The team finished runners up behind hosts Namibia in the eight team event after having to win their last two games against Nigeria and closest rivals Botswana. The squad will now await confirmation of the venue for the Global Qualifying event due to be held next year.
Coached by Martin Suji, the team had started the event well with wins over Zambia, Sierra Leone and Tanzaniabut back to back defeats against Uganda and tournament winners Namibia meant nothing less than two wins from the last two games would be enough.
After overcoming Nigeria, the team defeated Botswana by 8 wickets to secure a qualifying places.
Tight bowling, including an outstanding 5-19 by Raj Savala, restricted Botswana to 138 and the Kenyas showed no nerves in chasing down the runs required with IrfanKarim 47 not out and Duncan Allen 33 not out securing the victory.