Kassam earns ICC call-up in Cricket World Cup qualifier

ACCRA: TANZANIAN cricket has received a major boost after international umpire Adil Dawood Kassam was selected to officiate at the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Africa Qualifier B tournament in Accra, Ghana, scheduled for 22nd to 30th March 2026.

Tanzania’s senior team is among the sides set to compete in the tournament. Join Malawi, Eswatini, Seychelles, St. Helena and host Ghana.

The prestigious appointment marks a significant milestone not only in Kassam’s personal journey, but also in the continued growth and global visibility of cricket in Tanzania. Officiating at an ICC event reflects years of dedication, technical knowledge, discipline and consistency.

Tanzania Cricket Association (TCA) chairman Dr Balakrishna Sreekumar announced the news, expressing pride in Kassam’s achievement. Score reporter MBONILE BURTON caught up with Kassam before head to Ghana for an exclusive interview.

Q: Have you held any leadership roles within cricket, either on or off the field? If so, how have they shaped your career?

A: Yes, I have held leadership roles within Tanzanian cricket both on and off the field. I have served as a national team selector, helping to identify and nurture talent for both the men’s and women’s teams and as team manager for the Tanzania men’s national team on several tours, overseeing logistics, player welfare and professional operations.

These roles have greatly shaped my career by enhancing my decision-making, organisational and communication skills. They have also given me a broader perspective on cricket development, teamwork and the importance of leadership in maintaining high standards on and off the field.

Q: How do you see your role contributing to the growth and professionalism of cricket officiating in Tanzania?

A: I have contributed extensively to cricket in Tanzania in multiple capacities. As an umpire, I have represented the country in ICC pathway tournaments, T20 World Cup Qualifiers, Under-19 World Cup Qualifiers and the African Games in Ghana, helping to raise officiating standards nationally.

I have also served as a national team selector, playing a key role in identifying and nurturing talent for both men’s and women’s teams. Additionally, as Tanzania team manager, I have overseen numerous tours, ensuring smooth logistics, player welfare and professional team operations.

Beyond these roles, I have been actively involved in development programmes, conducting seminars and workshops for over 200 teachers across all regions in Tanzania, promoting cricket education, grassroots development and the growth of the sport nationwide.

Q: What is your assessment of the current state of cricket development in Tanzania?

A: Cricket in Tanzania has experienced notable growth in recent years, driven by the efforts of the Tanzania Cricket Association (TCA). The past two years under the leadership of Dr B.S. Sreekumar have marked a period of positive transformation and renewed direction.

Through strong leadership and a clear vision, TCA has improved domestic structures, expanded grassroots participation and increased opportunities for both players and match officials. The successful hosting of ICC pathway events has provided valuable international exposure and raised the overall standard of cricket in the country.

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There has also been a strong focus on development, particularly in youth and women’s cricket, alongside education programmes for coaches and umpires. These initiatives are helping to build a sustainable future for the game. The chairman’s efforts in strengthening ties with the International Cricket Council and enhancing professionalism within the association have been instrumental in this progress.

Cricket in Tanzania is now on a promising upward path, with a solid foundation in place for continued growth and success. The TCA has also achieved a major milestone by introducing cricket in schools across the country, strengthening grassroots development and creating opportunities for young talent to grow from an early age while promoting discipline, teamwork and sportsmanship.

Q: In your view, what areas need the most improvement for Tanzania to compete more strongly on the global stage?

A: While TCA has made remarkable progress in infrastructure, academies and grassroots development, there are still areas that could be strengthened to compete more effectively on the global stage. These include expanding coaching and umpiring programmes, increasing international exposure through tournaments and bilateral series and further improving training facilities and support systems for players and officials. By building on the strong foundation already established, Tanzanian cricket can achieve greater international success.

Q: Do you have any advice or recommendations for the Tanzania Cricket Association moving forward?

A: As a stakeholder in Tanzanian cricket, I commend the TCA Chairman Dr Balakrishna Sreekumar and his team for driving significant progress over the past two years. Moving forward, the focus should remain on grassroots development, expanding cricket in schools and creating structured pathways for both players and officials. Investing in coaching, umpiring education and infrastructure will be crucial for sustained growth.

Additionally, increasing international exposure through tournaments, bilateral series and ICC pathway events will help Tanzanian cricket compete more strongly on the global stage. Maintaining this vision and professionalism will ensure a solid foundation for long-term success.

Q: What continues to motivate you in your career as an umpire?

A: My motivation comes from my passion for cricket and the desire to contribute to the game beyond playing. I am driven by the responsibility of making fair and accurate decisions, managing matches at a high level and continuously improving my skills and knowledge.

Seeing players perform at their best while ensuring the integrity of the game inspires me to give my best in every match. Additionally, mentoring and supporting emerging umpires in Tanzania fuels my commitment to grow both personally and professionally in cricket officiating.

Q: What are your longterm ambitions in international cricket officiating?

A: My long-term ambition is to progress through the ICC pathway and earn appointments at major global tournaments, including the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. I aim to consistently perform at the highest level, demonstrating accuracy, professionalism and leadership on the field. Ultimately, I aspire to join the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires and contribute to the development of cricket while serving as a role model for aspiring umpires in Tanzania and across Africa.

Q: Who have been your biggest influences or role models in cricket?

A: I have been fortunate to learn from several experienced officials throughout my journey, making it difficult to single out one individual. However, I would highlight Allaudien Paleker of South Africa and Langton Rusere of Zimbabwe. Their professionalism, consistency and strong match management skills have been a great source of inspiration and I continue to learn from their approach to officiating at the highest level.

Q: What lessons has cricket taught you that apply to life beyond the field?

A: Cricket has taught me valuable lessons that extend beyond the field. It has instilled discipline, patience and resilience, emphasising the importance of staying focused under pressure. The game also highlights teamwork and communication, as success depends on working effectively with others and respecting different perspectives.

Cricket reinforces fairness and integrity, values I carry into both my personal and professional life. These lessons help me approach challenges calmly, make balanced decisions and maintain a strong work ethic in all areas of life.