PLANNING TO FAIL

Similarly, Subhash Modi's opportunity to umpire an 001 match between Scotland/ Pakistan alongside the controversial Oarell Hair also provided a -major boost to Kenya umpires. Modi has umpired for over 25 years, and recently umpired the three 001 matches between Kenya and Bangladesh held last month. But then, it was shocking to learn that seven national team players have opted to turn up for division three sides in the new league season that commenced recently. Is this progress or can we call it retrogression? How can the administration allow this sought ofthings to happen? And as if that is not enough, Nairobi Jaffery, a leading club in Kenya, has withdrawn from the super league to play in division two! This is debasement of our cricket, especially considering that national players' performance over the last decade has taken cricke,t to the highest level internationally. I must compliment the Obuya family for the cricket tournament they organised during the school holidays. The youngsters who participated displayed talent with great, enduring spirit. It was encouraging, and such events are mandatory in all estates and throughout the country if the sport has to take off.

On the positive side, Samir Inamdar's has finally landed a seat in the ICC executive committee. While I congratulate the Cricket Kenya boss, I hope he will use this position to effectively push and lobby for Kenya's agenda at the highest possible level of decision making in the world of cricket. With all the gloom hovering around, right from clubs to the national level, I can only conclude that: "people do not plan to fail, they fail to plan."