'Kenya should take a lesson from Bangladesh'
Collected
|| Cricfrenzy Correspondent ||
Once upon a time, Kenya was considered a 'Giant Killer' of cricket. In 2003 ODI World Cup, they reached to Semi-Final by defeating Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. Though Kenya had come to the tournament with underdog tag, they surprised the cricket world with their performance.
However, the golden era of Kenya cricket has passed already. The history of Kenya is nothing but a sigh. Due to the political situation, mismanagement and corruption, the situation of their country has been getting worse day by day.
Aasif Karim, an ex-cricketer of Kenya and member of 2003 World Cup team talked with Cricfrenzy recently about his country's current situation. He also shared some golden memories in his cricketing career and praised Bangladesh for their constant success, The interview is given here:
Cricfrenzy: What are you doing now after retiring from cricket?
Asif Karim: I used to work with cricket even when I was playing. I had a business of an insurance company and real estate. I have been published sports magazine for the development of sports and for the past two years, I have been organizing a sports event. I am also involved and internationally qualified in arbitration and mediation
Cricfrenzy: Which match is most memorable to you and why?
Asif Karim: Playing for the country in any matches is an honour. However, the one the stands out is the world cup 2003- Kenya vs Australia match
Cricfrenzy: What is the current state of cricket in your country?
Asif Karim: Dead and buried. This was dead a long time ago. Currently, Kenya is in the third division and going down further.
Cricfrenzy: What should be done to move forward Kenya cricket?
Asif Karim: We need a new competent and fresh people to come in and start from ground zero.
Cricfrenzy: Share some of the most memorable memories of your cricket career.
Asif Karim: There are many memories. The number one is playing in the 96, 99 and 2003 World Cups. Number two is playing in the 1998s Commonwealth Games.
Cricfrenzy: Any memories about Bangladesh?
Asif Karim: Visiting Bangladesh first to play in 1995,99 and then 2006 as a commentator. The finals against Bangladesh in 1997 ICC trophy losing on the last ball.
Cricfrenzy: You were a member of the 2003 World Cup team, your team played great. What was the secret behind this?
Asif Karim: It was actually a combination of several things. The tournament was in Africa and we had a couple of matches in Kenya. Sri Lanka and New Zealand didn't play in Kenya before. In that World Cup, we defeated three Test-playing countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. The points scored in the first round helped us to make a stronger place in the tournament.
Cricfrenzy: After the World Cup, Kenya has almost disappeared from cricket. What is the reason behind it?
Asif Karim: Incompetent administration, poor or rather no planning on a structured development program, domestic cricket got weak And in fighting for power with the glamour Kenya cricket as enjoying.
Cricfrenzy: Is Kenya cricket on the verge of destruction for political reasons?
Asif Karim: What I have said is that the funds received from the ICC have not been used properly, not even now. The local administration has no obligation to use this money and take cricket forward.
Cricfrenzy: What is your advice to save Kenyan cricket as a former cricketer?
Asif Karim: The present administration has to step aside and everyone else should come forward together. They have to figure out an effective way to nod their heads forward.
Cricfrenzy: You are from a famous cricket family, have you taken any steps for the youth?
Asif Karim: My son is playing in the UK as a professional cricketer and also in Kenya. He is looking forward to playing in another country because there is no hope in here.
Cricfrenzy: Which format do you like the most and why?
Asif Karim: All formats of cricket is challenging and exciting. Every format matters.
Cricfrenzy: What is the difference between current era cricket with your era?
Asif Karim: Cricket has improved tremendously and I am happy that the players are making good money out of it. This increased the quality of the game. Competition has increased at the highest levels and players have to perform consistently. I would advise that players be given adequate rest so they can play for longer time. The schedule of current cricket is huge.
Finally I would like to say that I am proud of Bangladesh cricket and a huge fan. The improvement they have made in cricket over the past 20 years is remarkable. Hold it and maintain the highest standards. At the same time maintain efficient governance and development infrastructure. Also try to maintain the quality of domestic cricket. Kenya should take a lesson from Bangladesh cricket.
