The Pearl of Africa T20 Cricket Tournament is set to return next month after a three-year hiatus, with Uganda once again playing host.
The Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) confirmed Wednesday that five nations will participate in what officials now call the inaugural series of the Pearl of Africa T20. The games will be played at the Entebbe Cricket Oval from July 16 to 28.
UCA Chairman Jackson Kavuma said the event is part of the national team’s buildup to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier, slated for September in Zimbabwe.
“We are glad to be hosting this tournament,” Kavuma told reporters in Kampala. “It’s a precursor for the T20 Cricket World Cup qualifiers to take place in Uganda in September this year.”
He added that the tournament is about giving the Cricket Cranes meaningful match experience.
“We want our team to have quality game time before the World Cup qualifiers,” Kavuma said. “We’ve invited strong teams to ensure a competitive environment that promotes growth and interest in the sport.”
Kenya, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Namibia (A) are expected to arrive in Uganda on July 16. While all matches will count toward ICC T20 ranking points, Namibia (A) is exempt due to its higher classification.
Kavuma acknowledged the work of former UCA Chairman Bashir Badu, crediting him with rekindling ties with the Emirates Cricket Board that helped revive the tournament.
Funding had previously been a barrier. Kavuma said UCA has invested $150,000 (UGX 539 million) to stage the event.
He also named new sponsors—Lycamobile, Hisense, and Pepsi Cola—whose backing helped make this year’s edition possible.
Preparation is underway. Head coach Abbay Sharma said 30 players are training in Entebbe, though the final squad has not been selected.
“My philosophy is built on preparation, planning, and execution,” Sharma said. “The boys are in good shape and ready for the challenge.”
Adonia Waibale, the tournament chairman, said all matches will be held in Entebbe, about 35 kilometers from the capital, for ease of travel and logistics. Teams will train on July 17, with competition starting the next day. All games will be broadcast live.
Uganda will open the series against Kenya.
The format mirrors the Indian Premier League. After a round-robin phase, the top two teams will meet in a qualifier. The third- and fourth-ranked teams will play an eliminator, with the winners from each match advancing to the final.
The winning team will take home a trophy and a cash prize—though the prize amount has yet to be disclosed.
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