A New Direction for Cricket Builds Hope

Over the next three years, CBH will invest £50,000 in cricket infrastructure for hubs outside of Rwanda's capital, Kigali, as well as continuing to support cricket at Gahanga Cricket Stadium (GCS).

This reflects a different operating model for CBH, following the transfer of ownership of GCS to the Rwanda Association at the end of last year. With the stadium now under local ownership, we are returning to our roots: funding much-needed cricket infrastructure and working with trusted partners, rather than delivering programmes directly.

We will continue to support the cricket hub at GCS, and by providing additional infrastructure in hubs elsewhere in Rwanda we will level up access to cricket facilities for thousands of youngsters with a passion for the game. Working alongside the Rwanda Cricket Association (RCA), Cricket Without Boundaries (CWB) and the MCC Foundation (MCCF), this investment is designed to support both cricket development and cricket-for-change initiatives, widening access to the game while reinforcing its positive social impact.

As part of this transition, Will Hammond will depart Rwanda this summer after four years as Director. During his tenure, CBH strengthened its work on the ground, including impactful programmes such as its female empowerment, adolescent sexual and reproductive health, and school re-integration initiatives, and led the successful expansion and handover of the stadium.

Will Hammond said: “It’s been a privilege to be part of CBH’s work over the last four years. We’ve enhanced the stadium, given hundreds of kids access to cricket in the areas, and seen transformational impact from our community programmes. I want to thank our dedicated and skilful team and all our partners and supporters who have made this happen. I’ve seen how important good infrastructure is for engagement and development and it's great that we’re going to help provide this beyond Kigali.”

CBH Chair Alan Sendorek OBE said: “I would like to thank Will and the CBH staff for their outstanding contribution over the past few years, including Will’s leadership of our community programmes and his role in delivering a successful transition for the stadium. We are now investing in the next phase of cricket’s growth in Rwanda by supporting infrastructure that will bring the game to more communities. By working in partnership with the RCA and Cricket Without Boundaries, we can help create more opportunities for participation, development and positive social impact.”

If you have questions about the new investment programme, want to become a Friend of the charity or visit Rwanda on a tour or Cricket Without Boundaries trip, please get in touch.