Cricket Kenya’s National Selection Panel has named a 20-man National Training Squad and a new Emerging Players group also featuring 20 players. The panel met following the completion of the East Africa Cricket Competition group stages and selected the two squads with a view to expanding the pool of players competing for National selection and developing the next generation of players who have shown sufficient promise during the competitions.
The National Training Squad consists of contracted players including those who are currently based overseas. Those available will train full time with National coach Mike Hesson. The Emerging Players squad will be invited to specialist training sessions and work with CK coaching staff and some will be invited to train full time, play in inter squad fixtures and could be selected for international matches if the performances merit inclusion.
In addition to these two squads, Cricket Kenya has identified a number of other players who due to work commitments cannot be involved on a full time basis but will be monitored by the National Selection Panel and coaching staff and be brought in when appropriate.
Chairman of Selectors Alpesh Vadher said: ‘We are very pleased to have been able to identify this expanded group of players, all of whom we believe have the ability to represent Kenya. All the players named in both squads will be monitored closely and be involved with the National Coach and other Cricket Kenya coaches. This group provides more competition for places which will drive players to perform at their best.
‘Outside this group there are players such as Rajesh Bhudia and Ramesh Mepani who we are also very keen to involve when the professional commitments allow. Players outside this group still have the opportunity to force their way in through consistent performances in Provincial leagues.’
The 20-man National Training Squad is as follows:
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