Continent Cup T20 Africa 2023 Tournament launched

All is set for the inaugural edition of the Continent Cup T20 Africa 2023 as Cricket Kenya on Thursday afternoon, confirmed the hosting of the 11-day quadrangular tournament set to bowl off from 9-21 July at the Nairobi Gymkhana Grounds in Nairobi, Kenya.

The tournament- one organized by Cricket Kenya with the aim of growing and developing the sport in Africa - will see four nations take part including; hosts Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and South African region representatives Botswana.

Speaking at the tournament's media launch, Cricket Kenya President Manoj Patel reiterated Kenya's quest to host the event saying: "I am really excited for this opportunity because it has been a long time coming. We have always expressed interest in having such an event here. I welcome all the participating teams and wish them all the best."

Patel also confirmed the federation's plan to honor the competition- which for the inaugural edition will have a trophy awarded to the winning side - annually.

Also accompanying him in the presser was the Ministry of Sports Deputy Commissioner Jaxon Indakwa who represented the Ministry Director of Sports who promised support from his office and the Cabinet Secretary for Sports, The Arts and Youth Affairs Ababu Namwamba.

"We [Sports Ministry] are pleased to be here," Indakwa said. "Just to let you know that you have the full backing of the government- which approved this tournament. We have a busy cricketing year ahead and for us is just to affirm our support and commitment all through the journey."

The Kenyan team will see the entry of a new skipper to the fold in Kanbis A player Rakep Patel who will replace Sachin Bhudia with Lucas Oluoch serving as the vice captain.

"The mood in the camp is very high," Rakep said of the team's condition, having not played an international match in over five months. "We have in the last two weeks been taking part in warm up matches. Everyone looks ready and I feel we will do well here."

The same message was echoed by Kenya’s head coach David Obuya who defended the squad selection saying: "We have a blend of youth and experience needed for such a tournament. Playing at home helps and we will do what's best tactically to offer wins."

With Tanzania and Nigeria having pulled out from this year’s edition, the format will now see each team play the other sides thrice (triple round robin) in the group stages.

The skippers for the three other sides will comprise of: Brian Masaba (Uganda), Karabo Motlhanka (Botswana) and Clinton Rubagumya (Rwanda).

The hosts kick off their campaign on Friday morning (0930 EAT) against Rwanda, with Uganda - the highest ranked nation in the competition- facing Botswana in the mid-afternoon game at 1330 EAT.

The tournament is sponsored by ILT20, ITW Universe and PSS Corporation.