Cricket Kenya has terminated its contracts with a Dubai- and India-based sports promotional company, citing what it described as serious governance breaches.
The move brings to an abrupt halt plans for a franchise competition that had been scheduled to begin on 7 November.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Board said the decision was made after concerns emerged over attempts to stage the tournament without following due procedure.
“On 10 September 2025, the Board, by majority resolution, terminated its agreement with AOS citing severe reputational damage and grave breaches of governance,” the statement read.
The decision has been communicated to the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Despite cancelling the agreement, Cricket Kenya assured stakeholders that a new sponsorship partner, fully aligned with governance principles, will be unveiled soon.
The announcement was endorsed by six Board members, including Pearlyne Omamo (Director of Women’s Cricket), Tariq Iqbal, Mary Maina, Beryl Oyugi, Thomas Odoyo, and Pauline Njeru. Chief Executive Officer Ronald Bukusi among those backing the board. Acting Treasurer Kennedy Obuya did not back the resolution, with Obuya publicly defending the tournament.
Earlier this year, a majority of the Board had passed a vote of no confidence in Chairman Manoj Patel, effectively barring him from governance decisions.
The dispute has been simmering for months. Cricket Kenya initially signed a sponsorship deal with AOS for a franchise tournament, subject to ICC approval. However, the Board says AOS later unilaterally proposed a separate domestic league without board sanctioning or ICC clearance.
“Despite multiple attempts by the Cricket Kenya Board to get AOS to submit a fresh proposal for consideration, they went ahead with a launch event against Board advice,” the statement said, reiterating ICC warnings against unsanctioned competitions.
The Board added that the proposed tournament did not meet ICC criteria for sanctioned events, warning that players, sponsors, and the federation risked sanctions if it proceeded.
Cricket Kenya maintained that its priority is safeguarding the sport’s integrity.
“We are resolute in our mission to usher in a new era of transparent governance and sound management for cricket in Kenya for the prosperity of all stakeholders,” the Board said.
Meanwhile, a group calling itself the “Cricket Kenya Supreme” expressed support for the league and called for changes within the federation.
The Board, however, clarified that no such entity exists in its governance structure, stressing that only the Council of Membership, which convenes annually, has a constitutional role—though without administrative or operational authority.
