Ondeko rues missed Qatar opportunity

The cancellation of the T20 trial series in Qatar is "a huge blow" for the Cricket Cranes, says local cricket association UCA chief executive Martin Ondeko.

Uganda, Nepal, Malaysia, and hosts UAE were due to renew acquaintances in a four-day affair next month, but the Qatar Cricket Association failed to secure clearance for the event from the government past the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions in the Emirate.

"It's a huge blow for us because we were looking forward to the tournament, and we were in training for it," Ondeko told New Vision Sport on Wednesday.

"Next year is going to be a very busy year; it was good for us to have some competition going into next year. But I hope it (the Qatar tournament) can be held as soon as possible," he added.

The event was highly anticipated, not only because they have been inactive for the whole year, but also for the opportunity to watch new Cricket Cranes coach Lawrence Mahatlane take charge of his first assignment.

Ondeko explained that despite the disappointment, the Cranes will proceed with training, which he believes will give Mahatlane more time to understand his squad than he had had ahead of the now ill-fated trip to Qatar.

"We have not cancelled the training, so the team is still in training. And this is a blessing in disguise because it will give the coach time to look at the players, have in mind the combinations that will work for him. 

"By the time the next tournament, he will be in a position to put out a team to perform."