Kenya’s national senior men’s cricket team was forced to cancel its training camp and trials, which were set to begin on Tuesday, March 11, due to heavy rains currently pounding Nairobi.  

The preparations for the upcoming ICC World Challenge League were disrupted as training grounds became unplayable.   

The heavy rains, which have affected large parts of the country, rendered the designated training venues (Gymkhana Club and Ruaraka Sports Club) unsuitable for practice. As a result, Cricket Kenya (CK) had no choice but to call off the scheduled sessions, People Sport has established.   

Speaking to People Sport yesterday, senior men’s national cricket team assistant coach Joseph Angara confirmed the cancellation, citing the poor condition of the grounds.   

“Due to the ongoing heavy rains in Nairobi, CK has cancelled the national team’s camp training and trials, which were scheduled to begin this Tuesday. The training venues at Gymkhana and Ruaraka Sports Club are waterlogged and unsafe for play,” Angara stated.   

He added, “We cannot conduct training on wet and soggy grounds, as this could lead to injuries. Additionally, wet conditions make handling the cricket ball difficult due to its slipperiness.”   

As a temporary measure, CK has arranged an alternative training programme at the Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) Sports Club gym in Ruaraka. The move aims to keep the players fit while awaiting improved weather conditions.   

“To maintain players’ physical fitness, CK has organised gym training at the KCB Sports Club gym at a cost. The sessions will be supervised by head coach Lameck Onyango, myself as the assistant coach, the team’s physio, and other technical staff,” Angara revealed.   

A total of 22 CK-contracted players were set to begin the now-cancelled camp training. However, Angara disclosed that once the weather improves, the squad size could be expanded to 44 players to facilitate internal training matches.   

“The number of players called up for camp could increase to 44. This will allow us to form four teams of 14 players each, enabling structured build-up matches as part of our training programme,” he explained.