Uganda loses ICC event over security

Sep 24, 2014

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has drastically shifted the Pepsi ICC World Cricket League (WCL) Division 3 tournament that was due in Kampala to Malaysia because of security concerns.

By Samson Opus

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has drastically shifted the Pepsi ICC World Cricket League (WCL) Division 3 tournament that was due in Kampala to Malaysia because of security concerns.


The Six-nation event was due in Kampala next month October 26 to November 2. Instead, the meet has been relocated to the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur on October 23-30.

In a press release, ICC Media and Communications Officer Bridget Rive said the decision was reached by the world body in coordination with a range of local authorities and security experts.

Announcing the decision, 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 (UCA), due to recent events beyond the control of the ICC and the UCA, 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.” The six teams due to compete in the event alongside with Uganda are Bermuda, Malaysia, Nepal, Singapore and the USA.

UCA Chief Executive Officer Justine Lingyalingi stated: “As UCA, we are disappointed with the change. But at the same time we respect the ICC decision,” Lingyalingi said.

“Our challenge now is to prepare for an international trip,” added the official.

Over the months, Uganda had invested funds uplifting cricket facilities at Lugogo. According to sources, ICC’s security concerns were heightened by recent reports that the Uganda Police had burst a terrorist network in Kampala.

RELATED STORIES:

Uganda to host ICC World Cricket League

Crisis time for Ugandan cricket

Uganda to miss test cricket

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});