David GOMBE
The Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) is proud to announce the launch of the Pearl of Africa T20 Series, a premier international cricket tournament set to be staged at the scenic Entebbe Cricket Oval from July 16 to 28, 2025.
This second edition brings together top cricketing nations including Uganda, Kenya, Namibia (A), United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Kuwait for a 12-day-long celebration of sport, culture, and
community. The tournament, designed in an exciting Indian Premier League-style format, will feature a single round-robin followed by eliminators and a grand finale on Sunday, July 27.
“This is the beginning of what we envision to be an annual cricket product that attracts regional and
continental powerhouses,” said Adonia Waibale, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee.
“We are repackaging cricket from just another sport to a high-energy occasion that brings vibes.Through partnerships with local brands like Pepsi Cola and Hisense, fans can expect out-of-this world matchday experiences.”
All matches, except those involving Namibia A, will carry official T20 International (T20I) status, offering valuable points and experience to participating nations.
The Pearl of Africa T20 Series also
serves as crucial preparation for upcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) global qualifiers.
Cricket Cranes Head Coach Abhay Sharma emphasized the tournament’s importance:
“Our focus is not just on results, but on finding the right combinations and giving opportunities. This event is key preparation for our upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier in Zimbabwe.”
Subhan Ahmad, COO of the Emirates Cricket Board, remarked, “We are delighted to participate.The UAE team is in strong T20 form and this competition presents another excellent opportunity to build momentum ahead of major events later this year.”
Joseph Angara, Assistant Coach of Kenya, echoed this:
“We thank UCA for organizing such a timely tournament. This comes at a critical time for us, and we are coming in to compete.”
From Namibia, Coach Craig Williams added:
“Though we’re bringing our Namibia A side, this is a golden opportunity for our emerging talent. We are going to take it seriously because we know it will be competitive and can’t wait to arrive in the Pearl of Africa.”
Fixtures
Friday, 18 July:
Uganda UG vs Kenya
Namibia A vs UAE
Saturday, 19 July
Kuwait KW vs Kenya
Uganda UG vs Namibia A
Sunday, 20 July
Kuwait KW vs Namibia A
Uganda vs UAE
Monday, 21 July | Rest Day
Tuesday, 22 July
UAE vs Kuwait
Kenya vs Namibia A
Wednesday, 23 July
Kenya vs UAE
Uganda vs Kuwait
Thursday, 24 July: Eliminator: (3rd vs 4th) | Qualifier: (1st vs 2nd)
Friday, 25 July | Rest Day
Saturday, 26 July: Loser Eliminator vs 5th Placed Team | Qualifier 2: Loser Qualifier 1 vs Winner Eliminator
Sunday, 27 July | Final: Winner Qualifier 1 vs Winner Qualifier 2
