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Steve Tikolo laments Kenya’s dwindling cricket fortunes, believes there is hope

Steve Tikolo laments Kenya’s dwindling cricket fortunes, believes there is hope
Former Kenya Cricket team captains Steve Tikolo (right) and Asif Karim gesture during a function on Wednesday. PHOTO/BARRY SILAH
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Kenya’s past cricket glory days of the 90s and early 2000 has fallen rapidly due to lack of foresight; according to former international player and coach Steve Tikolo.

Speaking Wednesday evening to journalists ahead of the T20 Legends game at Sikh Union Grounds, the legendary batsman stated that it was a sad scenario witnessing the plummeting standards of the game yet there was enough talent across board to take Cricket forward.

“We have literally lost about 10 years and we are no longer amongst the elite in the Sport and that is not acceptable. I feel that even as we meet as players and play our match Sunday, we can also exchange ideas for the sake of improvements seeing as we all are concerned. This T20 game is actually a good initiative for some of us to get fitness in and rediscover our cricketing heroics. However, the key thing is definitely reviving our game which is long overdue,” said the 52-year-old Ex-Uganda national team tactician.

On his part, former Captain Aasif Karim has called for more effort to be put by Cricket stakeholders to ensure the interest of the sport grows. “Even as we come together as old friends to play a match, at the back of our minds we need to generate a buzz amongst the youngsters who are the future. Our sport has been on a free fall but all is not lost and with such wonderful initiatives, we can only get better. On Sunday, we will have fun and relive memories. Of course, I hope my side wins even though it is expected due to age some of us will be slower and therefore have aches and muscle pulls afterwards,” he said tongue-in-cheek.

Maurice Odumbe who admits rustiness is however hoping for a good show. “We have not met for a while as former teammates and friends but this is great. We are keen to enjoy the Sunday game which hopefully will be competitive in its own way. After that, we hope to sit as a group to chart the way forward for our sport. With all the brains and expertise around, I am certain we can always offer insight.”

Meanwhile, India dismissed South Africa for just 55 before collapsing to 153 all out in reply as 23 wickets fell on an extraordinary opening day in Cape Town.

Mohammed Siraj took career-best figures of 6-15 as the hosts were skittled in 23.2 overs on a bouncy, lively second Test pitch.

India were in complete control at 153-4 but lost their last six wickets for no runs in 11 balls after tea. South Africa slipped to 62-3 at stumps in their second innings.

With India looking set to build a decisive first-innings lead, Lungi Ngidi took three wickets in the 34th over to spark a stunning collapse.

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