Jimmy Rayani, chairman of the Kenya Cricket Association, blamed lack of cash for the limited number of one-day internationals the team has played. Tours require vast sums of money and we simply do not have it. This is something we are unlikely to resolve quickly. Eight players from Kenya's first foray into World Cup cricket have been included in the 15-man squad, including three of the heroes of that memorable day in India. Not exactly high scores, but very telling in a modest total of 166 which proved more than enough as West Indies collapsed for a paltry 93.
Cricket is still largely a part-time sport for Kenyan players.
Even as the team prepared for the World Cup, many of them were able to attend training sessions only after finishing work. A planned sponsorship package with a Kenyan company to create a fully professional outfit ahead of the World Cup failed to materialise. Odumbe, who had the captaincy taken from him after criticising Kenya cricket authorities for poor management, said the players had prepared as well as possible under the circumstances. We have worked hard. Clearly we need more exposure to ensure that we can rise to the same level of the game with test countries.