The International League T20 (ILT20) has taken a significant step towards global cricket development by welcoming seven talented players from African Associate nations for its fourth season. This groundbreaking Player Development Initiative, orchestrated by the Emirates Cricket Board, is designed to provide elite-level exposure to promising cricketers from regions where the sport is still growing.
Bridging Communities Through Cricket
The initiative specifically targets emerging players from seven African nations: Botswana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, and Uganda. These selected athletes have been integrated into various ILT20 franchises, where they will train and observe alongside established international stars. The program's core mission is to equip these players with world-class skills and knowledge, which they can then bring back to elevate the standard of cricket in their home countries.
ILT20 CEO David White emphasized the league's commitment to expanding cricket's horizons. "At ILT20, we believe in cricket's power to create opportunities and bridge communities," White stated. He added that bringing these cricketers into the franchises reflects a dedication to developing the game beyond traditional boundaries and that the experience could be transformative for both their careers and their national teams.
Meet the Selected Players and Their Franchises
The seven cricketers have already joined their respective teams for Season 4, which features six franchises competing in 34 matches. The player assignments are as follows:
- Francis Mutua (Kenya) has joined the Desert Vipers.
- Juma Miyagi (Uganda) is now with the Gulf Giants.
- Katlo Piet (Botswana) and Samuel Conteh (Sierra Leone) will both train with the Sharjah Warriorz.
- Martin Akayezu (Rwanda) is part of the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ADKR).
- Mohammed Yunusu Issa (Tanzania) has been picked up by MI Emirates.
- Peter Aho (Nigeria) will gain experience with the Dubai Capitals.
This initiative grants the players unprecedented access to top-tier facilities, professional coaching staff, and the invaluable experience of observing match preparations at the highest level.
Creating Pathways for Future Talent
Cricket officials from the players' home nations have hailed the program as a game-changer. Sumod Damodar, Vice Chairman of the Botswana Cricket Association, called the opportunity "invaluable" for Katlo Piet, stating that interacting with top global players would provide him with a "fresh new bag of tricks."
From Nigeria, Mr. Uyi Akpata, President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, noted that Peter Aho's inclusion serves as a catalyst, showing local players a pathway to the highest levels of the sport. Similarly, Jackson Kavuma, Chairman of Cricket Uganda, expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating that Juma Miyagi's discipline and hard work could open doors for other Ugandan and African talents.
The tournament's Season 4 kicked off on December 2, coinciding with UAE National Day, at the Dubai International Stadium with a ceremony featuring singer Ali Zafar. The competition will culminate with the final at the same venue on January 4. Beyond the immediate tournament, the long-term goal of this player initiative is to inspire a new generation of African cricketers and create sustainable pathways for talent from underrepresented cricket regions.
