Former Indian cricketer who played with Sachin, Dravid, has been sacked as Kenya’s head coach after just a month

Cricket Kenya has taken the big decision to sack former Indian cricketer Doddy Ganesh as head coach of the men’s team a month after his appointment. Ganesh did not have much international experience (four Tests and an ODI) but has an impressive record in the Indian domestic cricket circuit, with over 2,000 runs and 365 scalps while playing for Karnataka. He made his India debut under Sachin Tendulkar’s captaincy in 1997 and played alongside mainstays like Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman. He was appointed head coach of the Kenya men’s team last month.

However, the cricket board decided to part ways with him and issued a letter informing about his dismissal.

“Pursuant to the resolution of the Cricket Kenya Executive Board passed on Wednesday, 28th August 2024 and based on, inter alia, Articles 5.9 and 8.4.3 of the Constitution of Cricket Kenya, we wish to inform you that the Executive Board has refused to ratify your appointment as Head Coach of the Men’s National Cricket Team due to failure to follow the established procedures,” Pearlyne Omami, CK’s Director of Women’s Cricket, said in a letter published by nation.africa.

“The alleged agreement entered into on 7th August 2024 between Mr Manoj Patel and you has been declared null and void. Accordingly, Cricket Kenya is not and shall not be bound by the said alleged agreement.

“You are hereby directed to immediately cease and desist from any further contact or activity with the men’s national cricket team. Any concerns or grievances regarding this notice should be directed to Mr. Manoj Patel and any other person who has irregularly and irregularly engaged you in this matter,” the letter added.

Lameck Onyango has returned to his role as interim coach, while Joseph Angara will serve as assistant coach.

The decline of cricket in Kenya

Kenyan cricket has seen a big decline in the last decade as other teams in the country have overtaken them in the race for the championship. The last team to qualify for the T20 World Cup was in 2007 and the ODI World Cup in 2011.

Kenya’s best ever result in the ODI WC was in 2003 when they reached the semi-finals in South Africa under India coach Sandeep Patil.

They will face Papua New Guinea, Qatar, Denmark and Jersey in the ICC Division 2 Challenge League in September, and in the T20 World Cup Africa qualifiers in October.