Pearl of Africa T20 Cricket tournament returns after three-year hiatus
The Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) has launched the second edition of the tournament today, confirming that Uganda will host the event from July 16 to 28 at the Entebbe Cricket Oval.
From left to right: Ivan Mugowa, Senior Sports Coordinator at the National Council of Sports; Evelyn Kabongerwa, CEO of the Uganda Cricket Association; Jackson Kavuma, UCA Chairman; Abbay Sharma, National Cricket Coach; and Adonia Waibale, Chairman of the Organising Committee. Photo: Silvano Kibuuka
By Silvano Kibuuka
Journalists @New Vision
The Pearl of Africa T20 Cricket Tournament is set to make a grand return after a three-year break since its inception.
The Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) has launched the second edition of the tournament today, confirming that Uganda will host the event from July 16 to 28 at the Entebbe Cricket Oval.
UCA Chairman Jackson Kavuma emphasized the tournament’s importance as a key preparatory event for the Cricket Cranes ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier scheduled for September in Zimbabwe.
“We want our team to have quality game time before the World Cup qualifiers. We’ve invited strong teams to ensure a competitive environment that promotes growth and interest in the sport,” said Kavuma.
The participating countries include Kenya, Namibia (A), United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait, all expected to arrive in Uganda on July 16. Kavuma credited the tournament’s revival to the efforts of former UCA chairman Bashir Badu, whose ties with the Emirates Cricket Board helped re-establish the event.
Kavuma also revealed that $150,000 has been invested in organizing the tournament, noting that the lack of sponsors had previously hindered its continuity. He thanked new sponsors including Lyca, Hisense, and Pepsi Cola for their support.
Head Coach Abbay Sharma reported that a provisional squad of 30 players is currently training in Entebbe, with the final 15-man squad yet to be announced.
“My philosophy is built on preparation, planning, and execution. The boys are in good shape and ready for the challenge,” Sharma stated.
Tournament Chairman Adonia Waibale outlined the schedule: teams arrive on July 16, train on July 17, and the tournament officially begins on July 18. All matches will be held in Entebbe for logistical efficiency and will be broadcast live.
Uganda will open the tournament against Kenya. All participating teams will earn ICC ranking points, except Namibia (A) due to its higher ranking status.
The tournament will follow a round-robin format similar to the Indian Premier League. The top two teams will face off in a qualifier, while the third and fourth teams will play an eliminator. The winners of these matches will meet in the final.
The champion will receive a classic trophy and a cash prize, the amount of which is yet to be announced.