Tz promotes cricket to priority sport

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzania Cricket Association (TCA) has reached a significant milestone as the government officially recognises cricket as a priority sport.

This development paves the way for the launch of a school development programme aimed at identifying and nurturing talented youths in the sport.

TCA Chairman Balakrishan Sreekumar confirmed in Dar es Salaam yesterday that the association has received a formal letter from the government confirming this new initiative.

“On behalf of the association and the cricket fraternity, we are thrilled about this milestone. I want to thank Minister for Culture, Arts and Sports Damas Ndumbaro for making this possible.” He said.

Sreekumar also acknowledged the support from the Cricket Legends Reunion of Tanzania and all cricket community, which for one way or others contributed to the government’s recognition.

In the letter, Minister Ndumbaro outlined the government’s strategies for promoting cricket in Tanzania. He announced the identification of 56 sports schools with adequate land to serve as training facilities for cricket activities.

“As the first phase, we will introduce cricket in the Inter-Secondary Schools Games (UMISETA), starting in 2026,” the minister stated.

He insisted the importance of TCA’s support in equipping these schools with necessary gear and training for sports teachers.

“The Ministry hopes that TCA will play a vital role in ensuring that cricket reaches grassroots levels, and that proper talent is identified and nurtured,” Ndumbaro added.

He also indicated that the government and TCA will soon convene to discuss the implementation roadmap.

Minister Ndumbaro praised Sreekumar and his team for their efforts to promote cricket and enhance professionalism in the sport, noting that TCA has set a positive example for other sports associations in the country.

Members of the Cricket Legends Reunion of Tanzania, including leader Kanu Rathod, have also commended the TCA for its outstanding achievements.

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Cricket has set a good example for others to follow from leadership perspective, national teams’ members careers development during and after retiring, no wonder government has taken notice on them.

Cricket will be reintroduced at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, California, United States. Cricket was last played in Olympics in 1900. It is expected to be as a Twenty20 tournament for both men and women, so it is idea timing to promote it.