The Nairobi Cricket League was launched today morning at Ruaraka Sports Club where several ex-Kenya Internationals are currently captaining various Franchises involved in the tournament set to conclude on 26 September.
Zimbabwean international Chris Mpofu led Nairobi Hornbills against Kisumu Cranes today morning. It's the third time that the 35-year-old is visiting the country, having contested against Kenya in 2009 and 2011 with the Zimbabwe national team.
The Tournament, featuring six teams, was organised by Nairobi Provincial Cricket Association (NPCA), Mombasa Simba Cricket Aademy and Ananatpura Sports Services L.L.C. The six teams include; Nairobi Hornbills, Eldoret Hawks, Nakuru Flamingos, Mombasa Eagles, Machakos Vultures and Kisumu Cranes.
The six teams are also being mentored by Sri Lankans, Gihan Rupasinghe, Udara Jayasundera, Chamara Kapugedera, Ajantha Mendis, Lahiru Gamage and Vikum Sanjaya. On the other hand, Ex-Kenya internationals attached to the teams, captaining the various Franchises including Steve Tikolo, Thomas Odoyo, Jimmy Kamande, Martin Suji, Joseph Angara and Kennedy Obuya. Featured Zimbabweans are Tinotenda Mawoyo, Christopher Mpofu, Neville Madziva, Elton Chigumbura, Shingirai Masakadza, Forster Mutizwa and John Nyumbu.
Apparently, the tournament is the first Franchise Cricket in the country since the Sharad Ghai-organised Zuku Cricket Wars in 2013. Winners from the round-Robin tournament itself will bag Sh200,000, runners-up Sh150,000, man of the match Sh5000, while best bowler, fielder and batsman will each walk away with Sh20,000.