Cricket takes center stage in Uganda this July as the Pearl of Africa T20 Series brings together five competitive teams for an international showdown at the scenic Entebbe Cricket Oval.
Running from July 16 to 28, the tournament will feature hosts Uganda, alongside Kenya, Namibia A, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Kuwait.
Packed with experienced players and emerging talent, the series promises thrilling cricket and a celebration of regional unity.
The format includes a single round-robin, followed by playoff matches and a final on Sunday, July 27.
Speaking at the launch, Adonia Waibal, chair of the Local Organising Committee, described the tournament as “the start of an annual event to attract top teams from the region and beyond.”
Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) Chairman Jackson Kavuma credited former UCA boss Bashir Magu for building ties with the Emirates Cricket Board, paving the way for UAE’s participation.
Kavuma also welcomed Kuwait’s involvement, noting their rising T20 ranking at 24th, just two spots behind Uganda. “They’ve watched our rise and want to challenge themselves,” he said.
Coaches Set Their Sights on Development
Uganda head coach Abhay Sharma said the tournament will help test player combinations and deepen the squad.
“It’s about more than results, we want to give players a chance to grow,” he said.
Kenya’s assistant coach Joseph Angara sees it as perfect preparation for their Challenge League campaign in August. “We’re here to compete,” he said.
Namibia A coach Craig Williams called it “a golden opportunity” for young talent, while Emirates Cricket Board COO Subhan Ahmad said the event will help UAE build momentum for future tournaments.
The series kicks off on Friday, July 18 with Uganda taking on Kenya, and Namibia A facing UAE.
Matches will be played in morning and afternoon slots, with rest days on July 21 and 25. Playoff matches are set for July 24 and 26, leading to the final.
All games will be held at the Entebbe Cricket Oval, known for its stunning lakeside setting, an ideal backdrop for what organizers hope becomes a regular feature on the international calendar.
Quick Look: Pearl of Africa T20 Series
- Dates: July 16–28, 2025
- Venue: Entebbe Cricket Oval
- Teams: Uganda, Kenya, Namibia A, UAE, Kuwait
- Format: Round-robin + Playoffs
- Final: Sunday, July 27
PEARL OF AFRICA T20 SERIES Fixtures
Venue: Entebbe Cricket Oval
- Wednesday, 16 July | Arrival of Teams |
- Thursday, 17 July | Training Day / Technical Meeting / | Captain’s Photoshoot
- 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
In the Round Robin setting, two games will be played on a day the first starting at 10 AM and second at 2 PM.
