DAR ES SALAAM: FRESH from their successful campaign in Uganda, where they won the 2025 Easter Youth ODI Series, Tanzania’s U19 men’s national cricket team departed from Dar es Salaam yesterday for Nigeria, ready to compete in the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup (CWC) Africa Qualifier.
Tanzania Cricket Association (TCA) Chairman, Balakrishnan Sreekumar confirmed to the ‘Daily News’ in Dar es Salaam yesterday that the team left early in the morning, eager to secure a place in the U19 Cricket World Cup.
The qualifier tournament, scheduled from March 26 to April 6, 2025, will feature six nations; Namibia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Sierra Leone and hosts Nigeria. The top team will earn a coveted spot in the global event.
“This event is a crucial opportunity for young cricketers to showcase their talent on an international stage. The Uganda series served as an important trial ahead of this competition,” Sreekumar noted.
He added that the official flaghanding ceremony took place on Tuesday, followed by a farewell dinner attended by himself, TCA Vice Chairman Ashish Nagewadia, the selection committee and wellwishers, including players’ parents. Sreekumar expressed confidence in the squad’s ability to perform well and fight for a World Cup spot.
Meanwhile, the TCA Chairman revealed that a highly qualified South African coach is set to take over the national men’s team next month.
“We have not been very lucky with men’s team coaches recently. However, I am happy to inform you that a highly skilled coach from South Africa will officially join us in the last week of April,” he stated.
The incoming coach recently spent two days with the men’s team and is eager to get started.
In TCA’s latest working report, released ahead of the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM), Sreekumar stated the need for a cultural shift in Tanzanian cricket, stressing that national development must take priority.
“While we have achieved significant progress, there is still a long way to go. TCA remains committed to putting all efforts into advancing cricket in Tanzania. Together, we can achieve great things,” he added.
He also extended sincere appreciation to ICC for continued support, specifically acknowledging Jay Shah, Abhishek Shekhawat and Justine Ligyalingi for their invaluable contributions to Tanzanian cricket.
