Jackson Kavuma hands over Player of the Match award to ADKR’s Windies star Sunil Narine
Ugandan Juma Miyaji was among seven young bowlers selected from seven different African countries for the International League (IL) T20 Season 4 Africa nominations — an initiative driven by the International Cricket Council (ICC) Chair of the Associate Members and ILT20 Commissioner.
The programme guarantees associate nations a presence within one of the world’s fastest-growing franchise leagues, offering exposure that domestic competitions simply cannot replicate.
Cricket Uganda chairman Jackson Kavuma believes that emphasis must now be placed on recognising the intent and impact behind the move.
“We thank Mubashshir for this initiative towards our players and Associate cricket development,” said Kavuma.
“Now, the first step has been taken, and all that is required is more visibility to the ILT20. The ILT20 Africa version being rolled out across the continent is significant, especially in talent identification and development, too. It is a good launchpad.”
More than a call-up
For Miyaji, a bowling all-rounder who has already featured at two World Cups (U-19 in 2022 and Seniors in 2024), the stint with the Gulf Giants was transformative.
Training under elite coaches and bowling to international stars sharpened both his technical skill and professional mindset.
“Being part of this season’s ILT20 in the UAE has been a true privilege,” Miyaji said.
“Playing with high-quality players obviously helps me improve my game. The coaches — especially former New Zealand opening bowler Shane Bond — embraced me and helped me learn a lot.”
While Miyaji did not feature in matches, the net sessions, tactical meetings, and daily intensity represented a level of cricket education rarely available to associate players.
Leadership watching closely
Kavuma was present during the closing stages of the tournament, witnessing first-hand the scale and professionalism of the league.
He also handed over the Player of the Match award to Sunil Narine after Abu Dhabi Knight Riders’ 50-run Eliminator victory over Dubai Capitals on January 1.
Though ADKR later fell short by 7 wickets against the Mumbai Indians Emirates in Qualifier 2, the tournament finale itself — watched by a packed Dubai International Stadium yesterday — showcased the commercial and developmental reach of ILT20.
Among the spectators were administrators, legends of the game, and Ugandan leadership, including Kavuma and former Cricket Uganda chairman Bashir Ansasiira, who also serves as chairman of ILT20 Africa.
The architect speaks
Usmani, who also chairs the ICC Development Committee, insists inclusion is central to ILT20’s philosophy.
“One of the objectives of ILT20 is to provide opportunities to Associate nation players so that they too can benefit from sharing dressing rooms with the top players of world cricket,” Usmani said.
“Kavuma and Ansasiira have been instrumental in ensuring this objective is implemented.”
That alignment between administrators, franchises, and associate boards is what gives the initiative sustainability beyond symbolic selection.
Africa’s wider footprint
Miyaji was joined by Katlo Piet (Botswana), Samuel Conteh (Sierra Leone), Martin Akayezu (Rwanda), Francis Mutua (Kenya), Peter Aho (Nigeria), and Mohammed Yunus Issa (Tanzania) — each attached to different franchises.
For Kavuma, this continental spread is critical.
“This kind of storytelling goes a long way in strengthening partnerships and showcasing real impact beyond material support,” he said.
The talking point
Sustainable impact
Future Pathways. Africa’s long-standing challenge has never been raw talent, but access.
Initiatives like ILT20 Africa bridge that gap by placing associate players inside elite systems rather than outside looking in.
The challenge now is continuity – ensuring these pathways are not one-off gestures but permanent fixtures that reshape Africa’s cricket economy and competitiveness.
ILT20 Africa – Season 4
Selected Players: 7
Countries: 7 African nations
Age Range: 22–24 years
Dominant skill: Bowlers selected
Teams involved: Gulf Giants, Sharjah Warriors, ADKR, Desert Vipers, Dubai Capitals, MI Emirates