Cricket Kenya Launch Ksh250 million T20 Tournament

Cricket Kenya in collaboration with a Dubai-based firm, Arena of Sports, have partnered to launch a multi-million T20 tournament in honour of the 1996 and 2003 heroes of International Cricket Council (ICC) Cricket World Cup.

Team Kenya stormed the cricket scene with impressive displays and reached a historic semifinal where they bowed out but left a lasting mark that has prompted nostalgia from many.

It is under one of such musings that a Sh258 million T20 tournament has been broached. The tournament is set to bowl off in November with six franchises drawn in exciting match ups.

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Nairobi Challengers headline the six franchises penciled for the big bowl off with Kisumu Tuskers hyping their chances of triumphant pursuit of inaugural tournament. Simba Royals, Mombasa Wildebeests, Rhino Hitter and Maasai Mara Warriors complete the fixture list.

The franchises will draft locally-based players as the organisers work to obtain ICC authorisation of involvement of foreign players.

Legendary Martin Suji lauded the advent of a truly rewarding competition in the land, saying this might spark the elusive revival that Cricket Kenya so desperately needed.

"This is indeed a welcome development in the local scene and I must thank everyone involved in making it happen. It is the sort of competition that could spark interest in the game, again, and that is what we all want," he said, flanked by fellow legends Maurice Odumbe, Elija Otieno and Maurice Ouma

Arena of Sports chairman Chandra Prakash Panwar invited Kenyan players to take advantage of the tournament and sail into higher seas.

"It has not been easy bringing this deal to where it is. Lots of negotiations and back and forth but finally something worthwhile has been realised. It is now upon the players, coaches and officials to ensure that fans are given a thrilling tournament and worthwhile cricket experience," he said.

Cricket Kenya treasurer Kennedy Obuya expressed optimism in the tournament, urging players to seize the opportunity to showcase their talent and market themselves well.

"This strategic collaboration is poised to catapult Kenyan Cricket to unprecedented heights. Cricket Kenya T20 League promises to unlock vast potential for Kenyan cricketers as well as other talented players from African associate member nations," said Obuya.