If we had the chance to go back in time, 122 years to be precise, chances are we would witness the birth of cricket in Kenya. Although the sport has grown to be dominated by countries based in Asia, our continental competitor lies a little further south from our location. From the first time we toured the former Rhodesia between 1980 and 1981 for three weeks in the hopes of qualifying for the World Cup, the Zimbabwean team has left us hungry to play better – especially against them.
The International Cricket Council Associate Trophy (ICC Trophy) was a tournament structured to determine the national teams that would qualify for the cricket World Cup. With only ten teams allowed to participate in the World Cup, this tournament would produce three of the best with the remaining seven as existing members of the ICC.
The Kenya National Cricket Team made its debut at the tournament in 1982 having disembodied itself from the East African Cricket Council. Our players were fairly fresh to the scene but hopeful to make an impression as they came face to face with wicket giants from other countries. The first time was unimpressive but an experience to look back at and strive to do better. Four years later, the tournament was held in the United Kingdom where we placed 8th overall – a decent position for players who had never been exposed to the harsh European weather conditions. In 1990 at our third attempt with more composure, the team set out for Holland where they made it to the semi-finals, one position away from qualifying for the Games. Undeterred, it was back home for more preparation and greater perfection.
In March of 1993 a friendly match was to be held at the Gymkhana grounds. Our selectors named Aasif Karim captain of the team for the one-off 50-over international and were set to play against Zimbabwe. Strong restriction from three bowlers – Aasif Karim, Edward Tito and Rajab Ali with brilliant support from the fielders led to our win against the former Rhodesia for the first time ever.
In 1994, all eyes were on Kenya as we became the first African nation to host the ICC Associate Trophy, as it had been renamed and our team was ready to put up a fight. There was no room to lose at our own grounds! Led by Captain Tom Tikolo and leading wicket star Aasif Karim not to mention the cheering of supporters placed us second after playing UAE in the finals, an assured ticket to the 1996 World Cup.
Although we put up a good fight and even defeated former two-time World Cup champions West Indies, our premier at the event is was what primarily stood out. Our team finished fifth in the group ‘A’ of the preliminary round after facing Sri Lanka in a memorable game. The Kenya national cricket team’s determination is one to envy and their improvement over the years noteworthy, they are indeed #OurSportsHeroes
What say you? Any memories of our cricket history you hold dear to your heart?
#KeWachezaji #PaukwaPeople