Cricket Kenya (CK) is yet to name the men’s national team for the 2024-2026 ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League 2nd edition, set to take place in New Jersey, due to delays in signing player contracts.

Speaking to People Sport yesterday, CK Western Kenya Development Manager Peter Ongondo confirmed that the selection process has stalled as negotiations over contract terms between the governing body and identified players continue.

“We are yet to name the men’s national team because some players have not signed their CK playing contracts. The delay is due to ongoing negotiations over the terms of engagement,” Ongondo explained.

He emphasised that CK had intended to finalise the squad early to allow for adequate training, but the delays have affected preparations for the upcoming tournament.

“We want players heading to camp to be fully aware of their terms of engagement with CK. Once all 20 identified players sign their contracts, we will officially name the national team and begin training to select the final squad of 14,” Ongondo added.

So far, 18 players have signed their contracts, with only two yet to finalise the process. The signed players include spin bowlers Shem Ngoche, Vraj Patel, and Vishil Patel, alongside pace bowlers Lucas Oluoch, Gerard Mwendwa and Emmanuel Bundi.

The national team batters who have signed are Rushab Patel, Sachin Bhudia, Neil Mugabe, Jasraj Kundi, and Pushkar Sharma.
Among the all-rounders already under contract are Nelson Odhiambo and Rakep Patel.

Ongondo reiterated that CK is determined to assemble a competitive squad capable of delivering strong performances in New Jersey.

“In the first leg of the ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League, held in Kenya last October, we finished fourth with six points. Jersey topped the standings with eight points, followed by Papua New Guinea, also with eight points but lower on other ranking considerations. Kuwait finished third with six points,” Ongondo recalled.

According to the results shared with People Sport, Denmark finished fifth with four points, while Qatar ended the competition without any points.

Kenya will compete in League A of the upcoming 2024-2026 ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League, which serves as part of the qualification process for the 2027 Cricket World Cup.

Uganda, ranked second in the region, will feature in League B alongside Italy, Hong Kong, Bahrain, Tanzania and Singapore.