Cricket returns to the spotlight in Uganda this July as Entebbe Cricket Oval hosts the Pearl of Africa T20 Series, a tournament that promises more than just competition.
Five teams. Uganda, Kenya, UAE, Namibia A, and Kuwait will be in action from July 16 to 28. For fans, it’s a chance to watch international-level cricket at home. For the players, it’s a platform to improve, learn, and grow.
Uganda’s coach Abhay Sharma is looking beyond wins. “We want to try different combinations and give more players a chance,” he said. “It’s part of our long-term development.”
The tournament will be played in a round-robin format, followed by playoff matches and a final on Sunday, July 27. Two games will be played each day — one in the morning, another in the afternoon — with teams rotating across the week.
Visiting coaches also see the bigger picture. Kenya’s Joseph Angara called it perfect preparation for their August campaign, while Namibia A and UAE are bringing young squads to give them exposure.
Kuwait, ranked just two spots behind Uganda in the T20 world standings, are looking to test themselves against new opponents.
Organisers hope this becomes an annual event. “We want to attract strong teams from across the region and beyond,” said Adonia Waibal, who leads the local organising committee.
It all kicks off on July 18 with Uganda facing Kenya, and Namibia A taking on UAE.
Full schedule
Friday, 18 July | Uganda UG vs Kenya KE | Namibia A NA vs UAE AE
Saturday, 19 July | Kuwait KW vs Kenya KE | Uganda UG vs Namibia A NA
Sunday, 20 July | Kuwait KW vs Namibia A NA | Uganda UG vs UAE AE
Monday, 21 July | Rest Day
Tuesday, 22 July | UAE AE vs Kuwait KW | Kenya KE vs Namibia A NA
Wednesday, 23 July | Kenya KE vs UAE AE | Uganda UG vs Kuwait KW
Thursday, 24 July | Eliminator: (3rd vs 4th) | Qualifier: (1st vs 2nd)
Friday, 25 July | Rest Day
Saturday, 26 July | Loser Eliminator vs 5th Placed Team | Qualifier 2: Loser Qualifier 1 vs Winner Eliminator
Sunday, 27 July | Final: Winner Qualifier 1 vs Winner Qualifier 2
