Malaysia To Host Tournament, Not Uganda
The International Cricket Council [ICC] announced that Pepsi ICC World Cricket League [WCL] Division 3 will take place from 23 to 30 October in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Uganda was to host the six-team competition from 26 October to 2 November, however, due to a recent elevation in the ICC’s ongoing safety and security assessment level, it has been decided to relocate the event to the Malaysian capital.
In coming to this decision, the ICC coordinated with a range of local authorities and security experts.
ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said: “The safety and security of players and officials is of paramount importance to the ICC, and despite the excellent cooperation received from the Ugandan government and the Uganda Cricket Association, due to recent events beyond the control of the ICC and the Uganda Cricket Association, we were ultimately uncertain if a secure environment could still be provided.
“Thankfully, the Malaysian Cricket Association has offered to host the tournament at short notice, and, based on previous experience, we anticipate a successful event in Kuala Lumpur.”
The six teams competing in the event are Bermuda, Malaysia, Nepal, Singapore, Uganda and the USA.
The BCB previously named Bermuda’s squad:
- 1. Janeiro Tucker [Captain]
- 2. Dion Stovell
- 3. Lionel Cann
- 4. Allan Douglas Jr.
- 5. Terryn Fray
- 6. Tre’Manders
- 7. Christian Burgess
- 8. Fiqre Crockwell
- 9. Kamau Leverock
- 10. Delray Rawlins
- 11. Malachi Jones
- 12. Jordan DeSilva
- 13. Kamal Bashir
- 14. Del Hollis
- Standby Player – Temiko Wilson
If you are going the brand a country unsafe and lacking in proper safety measures (my interpretation) to host an international cricket event, you ought to state, clearly and honestly, why the country has been unsafe to host the event.
Precisely what does, “due to recent events beyond the control of the ICC and the Uganda Cricket Association, we were ultimately uncertain if a secure environment could still be provided,” REALLY mean?
What “recent events” are they? Health concerns? Civil unrest? Major crime waves? Kidnappings? Terrorism? Corruption? Bribes? A complexity of all of the above, or just plain racism?
The public, who ultimately support all sporting events deserve to know why an event is being pulled out of a country on very short notice?
The continent of Africa finds it difficult to attract international sponsorship, so when an international event is suddenly pulled, the explanation should inform the public NOT fuel speculation, distrust and/or opaque views on racism. On the other hand, South Africa with one of the most prolific crime and corruption backgrounds host international sporting events, so what are the reasons that bar Uganda?
Hopefully the Uganda cricket authorities are getting the answers they need, as it is a blow for them to have the tournament moved from that country on short notice.
It’s probably going to be tougher for Bermuda now, since it’s a longer journey to Malaysia, plus the fact that Malaysia have been involved in a fair bit of competitive matches of late. We’re likely serious underdogs in this tournament… which is a testament to how we’ve stagnated while others have improved over the years.