Kamande axed as national cricket team captain

By Oscar Pilipili

Heads continued to roll at Cricket Kenya (CK) with Jimmy Kamande losing the captaincy t at national cricket team.

CK ‘ran out’ Kamande for his inability to lead the team by example during the recent ICC World Cup where Kenya lost all its five matches in sub-continent.

"There is no problem, The decision is not mine, it has been a short spell but a tough one because there has been a lot of happenings in the team," Kamande commented in a rejoinder yesterday.

"Even if you lead a team and there is no direction there is little you can do. Let them (CK) restructure the team if they think that is what will help save the image of Kenyan cricket.For me, I’ll readily be available if they need my services in the national team or any other position at ant time," Kamande added.

Kamande’s exit comes days after head coach Eldine Baptiste was sacked due to what CK chiefs described as post World Cup review.

CK Chief Executive Tom Sears said: "Cricket Kenya has taken the decision to stand down Kamande as captain as part of the widespread changes we are making during our post World Cup review."

National squad

"Given that the national squad does not have any fixtures until July, when they feature in the African Cricket Association Twenty 20 tournament and we are in the process of recruiting a new national coach and appointing a new selection panel, we will not be announcing a replacement at this stage," said Sears.

Sears, in his statement yesterday, hinted at a possible overhaul of the playing unit and technical bench as he said: "It is important that when the coach and selectors begin their roles they have a blank sheet of paper to work from. They will have an opportunity to assess all eligible players and identify those they feel have the ability, character and desire to be part of our future plans."

"They will also have the mandate to recommend the player they feel will make the best captain, someone who can lead the team by example, contribute significantly and positively on and off the field and restore some pride back into cricket in Kenya," he added.

Kamande took over as captain in October last year and led the team at the Cricket World Cup 2011 in India, where the team failed to register a win.