This comes as no surprise. Canada should be wary of the ICC's shenanigans, for that is what they are. With regard to Kenya's situation it is necessary to ask if this is political, or what? With the ICC having ruled out the UAE for the next World Cup and now Kenya for the Under-19s (NZ being the replacement) - together with its recent treatment of Namibia - it seems the ICC has really got its knife into the Associate members. I thought its remit was to bring the game on in developing countries, not consign it to the 'bin'. Adam Gilchrist wants the game for the Olympics. What is the IOC to make of the ICC's backward-looking way of going forward? Kenya may not have much of an Under-19 team at present, but I pity those who've put in lots of hard work in Mombasa and, more particularly, Nakuru, scene of some of the horrid clashes last year which cricket was trying to pacify. Or maybe that's what it's to do with? It's short-sighted, whatever the reasoning. The Canadians must beware.

I doubt its as conspirational as colin macbetyh puts it. Namibia for example are more likey being victims of neglect to make the ICC's plans for its associates sufficiently logical. Kenya should feel really seriously aggrievd if as this article indictes the stated reason for withdrawing their hosting rights varies from the stated reasons. Indeed if politicking is the casue then it just shows how undemocratic (and probably unviable) the ICC as an organisation has become and I would fear for anyone not in a position to bully thers around within it.

How will this help cricket? Can everything be about quick money? Why is ICC not looking at the bigger picture to progress the game in the world instead of planning for some loose change. Besides having the uner-19 world cup can only encourage players in non-test playing countries. One would think that ICC would have done something for the love of the game.

Kenya is just not a safe place to be at the moment and with the political situation the way it is I find it strange that anyone would be arguing for the tournament to be there. I think Canada has a much better show of running a successful and safe tournament in 2012. Nahid, there will still be a tournament so the encouragement for players is still there.

Pakistan retains co-host rights to £10m fees in 2011 World Cup and PCB to get compensation for Champion Trophy switch to South Africa. It is impossible to convince the ICC to change their minds. Kenya should demand full compensation with intrest. They should complet the good work in Mombasa and Nakuru, and even kisumu and Peonies just outside Nairobi. Because only with upgraded facilities top class cricketers will be produced.

This will not help Cricket in the Associate Nations.

Though ICC never gave any valid reasons for taking away the under 19 WP from Kenya, I think, this is to do with the security situation and terrorism threats from neighbouring Somalia. Newspaper reports indicate that there are 80 car-jackings daily in Nairobi. Several people have been injured and even killed. Member of Parliaments have not even been spared in this latest violence in Nairobi. Having said this, it would be only right for the ICC to fully compensate Cricket Kenya for all they have spent so far in upgrading facilities. Like my old friend Colin Macbeth, I too, feel sorry for Cricket officials who were so much committed in making the WP a great success.

Zoeb Tayebjee

Zoeb - it's got nothing to do with security issues, that we are sure of. It's got lots to do with the ICC being able to make loads more cash in New Zealand.

this decision looks to have had little to do with pitch readiness (as initially insinuated) nor security - consider a country at the end of decades of civil war is co-hosting the next world cup and there are regular terrorist attacks in one of the others. It is $ based - whether ICC $s or political $ from parties within Kenya remains to be seen.
@ Ben - I was in Kenya during a far more 'unsafe' period namely Jan last year and felt relatively safe. Crime aside (i have been held up at gunpoint in Sydney - let's can their next event...), Kenya is currently no less safe and a lot safer than several other more influential cricketing countries.

Canada are right to be wary and should get in writing from the ICC the exact specs they are expected to produce. Leave them any loophole and through it will vanish another Associate's hosting rights...

@Ben first drop that thought where on earth is safe of late even in England teenagers are knifing people to death what are you talking about we aint Somalia.
As for ICC why dont they just make the game for the full members and forget about embracing all. As it is the power of money can dictate who to bed the bats and who cant they should be so ashamed. Have they smelt that associated are going to take over with performance and still want to keep it a big boys circle. come on..
Canada can bow out now to avoid embarrassment of being stripped under weak issues but the truth be told Associated are not wanted by the big boys...

Former President Ben Sennik had announced plans for turf wickets in Montreal and Vancouver which they aim to finish by 2009. The was being done to host the 2012 Under-19 World Cup. Can any one tell us what is the latest Update as we are in 2009.

Other issues notwithstanding,the U19 World Cup being in Kenya would greatly help cricket in Africa as a whole.As for Canada,as a major economic power every resource should be brought to bear to ensure it keeps the 2012 one.Major Corporate partners and Govt help should be enlisted.In Canada and the US we must act as major cricketing voices,even when we are not acknowledged as such.Economics matter. and we have a lot of technical expertise and economic resources that we must tap into for strength.

Kenya lost the under-19 based on lack of preparation. How does one do when ICC do not want to support the development. Kenya took intiative to prepare grounds and spend huge amount of money considering being a third world country. Such amounts are seen to be peanuts by ICC because of the rich lucrative contracts they holds with sponsors. While Kenya fight to get sponsor. I now understand Canada's decision to back-out. Because no one would like to carry such a burden of investments which are rejected at 11th hour. ICC why don't you keep the world of cricket within the top 10 countries and forget about associate members.Talk about security well which corner of the world is safe. We have bombing in England, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan. Instability and theft in Zimbabwe, South Africa. Are all the above countries not the elite powers in world of cricket. Therefore it is high time ICC gets their policy right and develop the world of cricket beyond the top nations which play the game for ages.