Cricket Kenya suspends deal with Arena of Sports

Cricket Kenya Board has suspended its partnership with India-Dubai–based firm Arena of Sports (AOS), putting an abrupt stop to the proposed CK T20 League that had been scheduled for November 7, 2025.

The Board cited grave breaches of governance, including threats to stage the tournament in defiance of procedure as the key reason of terminating the contract.

The announcement was made Wednesday at the Ruaraka Sports Club, where CEO Ronald Bukusi addressed the media flanked by the Board members Pauline Njeri, Development Director Thomas Odoyo, and Tariq Iqbal.

The decision was formally signed by six members of the board, though three—Pauline Omamo, Mary Maina, and Beryl Oyugi—were absent as they are currently outside the country.

The CK T20 League had been marketed as a groundbreaking tournament modeled on India’s IPL, with six franchises including Nairobi Challengers, Simba Royals, and Kisumu Tuskers.

Arena of Sports had pledged to inject KSh255 million within five years, while unveiling cricket legends as ambassadors and promising to bring in foreign professionals.

However, Bukusi said the project could not proceed without International Cricket Council (ICC) approval.

"On 10 September 2025, the board, by majority resolution, terminated its agreement with AOS citing severe reputational damage and grave breaches of governance including attempts to improperly influence Board members through financial inducements and external pressure," said Bukusi.

“Approval from the ICC has not been forthcoming. The proposed tournament does not meet the ICC’s criteria for a sanctioned domestic event, and without an NOC, the No Objection Certificate, it constitutes disapproved cricket.”

The CEO confirmed that AOS will not be reimbursed the $25,000 it had already remitted, citing earlier agreements and federation policy.

“That amount falls within our contractual framework, and no reimbursement is due,” he stated.

As they cancelled the deal, the Board also revealed that a new sponsor was already lined up.

“We are pleased to announce that a new sponsorship partner, fully aligned with governance principles, will be unveiled shortly,” they stated.

The controversy comes on the back of a turbulent year for Cricket Kenya. In July, the board unanimously voted out chairman Manoj Patel, accusing him of irregular dealings and failing to address auditor concerns.

Despite his dismissal, Patel and treasurer Kennedy Obuya pressed ahead with the T20 plans, hosting a splashy launch at a Nairobi hotel on August 27.

Bukusi stressed that while Cricket Kenya remains committed to revitalizing the game, new ventures must adhere to transparency and governance standards hinting at Cricket Kenya looking for a new partnership.

The dispute over the tournament has been long-running, with AOS pushing to stage the league without the board’s blessings.

“We’re looking at possibly a new partner coming in. We want people to play cricket. What’s glossy about this whole tournament is the figures being bandied about—200 million, 300 million. I love that. But is it practical? Is it authentic? Is it real? That’s the question.

"The  Cabinet Secretary at yesterday’s meeting reminded us that governance must remain at the core, and Cricket Kenya has had a history we’re now trying to straighten.”

To further address governance cracks, the board announced it will establish an Internal Disputes and Ethics Committee within seven days.

The committee is expected to handle the lingering issues arising from factional fights that have dogged the federation.

Additionally, Bukusi dismissed claims of a parallel entity allegedly formed by Patel’s faction saying the board is the solely recognized body to handle cricket matters in Kenya.

“Contrary to recent assertions, there is no entity known as a Supreme Council in Cricket Kenya. The Council of Membership convenes annually and does not possess administrative, operational, or financial authority. Powers rest solely with the Cricket Kenya Board, as outlined in Article 8 of our Constitution.”

For now, the scrapping of the AOS deal leaves Cricket Kenya searching for credible partners to restore stability and re-ignite the sport’s fortunes in the country.