Yombo Secondary wins girls’ title at Women’s Criiio Cricket Festival

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Yombo Secondary School cricket team secured an exhilarating victory at the newly introduced Women’s Criiio Cricket Festival 2024, held at the Dar es Salaam Gymkhana Club (DGC) grounds on Friday.

The three-day festival, which began with secondary school competitions, saw Yombo Secondary emerge victorious in a spirited competition among 20 teams. Goba Secondary School claimed second place in an exciting contest.

The festival kicked off on Friday with remarkable energy, as 120 school girls gathered to celebrate their passion for cricket.

Divided into 20 teams, the players competed with enthusiasm, showcasing their love for the game.

The day was filled with fun and camaraderie, starting with a warm-up session followed by a lively dance segment, where the girls danced to a variety of tunes.

To make the event memorable, each player received a special gift, ensuring no one went home empty-handed. The winners were awarded the festival trophy, marking their achievement.

Organised by the Tanzania Cricket Association (TCA) in collaboration with International Cricket Council (ICC), the event featured special guests, including ICC Women’s Cricket Officer Amna Rafiq, ICC Regional Manager for Africa Justin Ligyalingi, and TCA Chairman Balakrishan Sreekumar, along with the dedicated organising committee.

“This was truly a day to remember—a day for the girls, for the love of cricket, and for the joy of community,” said TCA Chairman Sreekumar.

The festival began with schoolgirls, followed by university students on Saturday, and will conclude today with community women taking part.

Over 20 teams competed in each group, creating an inclusive and fun atmosphere for women at all levels of cricket.

According to Sreekumar, the initiative aims to introduce cricket to girls and women who have never played before, making it an engaging entry point for newcomers to the sport.

Sreekumar added that the ICC selected only two African countries, Nigeria and Tanzania, for this initiative, highlighting its significance.

He called on women to participate in large numbers, stressing the effort to promote and develop cricket across Tanzania.