DAR ES SALAAM; August 7, 2026 – Tanzania today begins a historic chapter in its cricket journey by hosting the final leg of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Challenge League B 2024–26 for the first time, with the national cricket team taking on Uganda in the tournament's opening match.
The competition, running from August 7 to August 18 at the newly inaugurated TCA Arena at the University of Dar es Salaam, marks the first ICC senior men's Cricket World Cup pathway event ever to be hosted in Tanzania.
Bahrain, Hong Kong China, Italy, Singapore, Tanzania and Uganda are competing for the remaining qualification places on the road to next year's ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.
Speaking ahead of today's opening match, Tanzania captain Kassim Nassoro expressed confidence in his team's preparations, saying they are ready for the challenge.
"We have prepared thoroughly and there is no room for excuses. Our objective is clear, and that's to proudly represent our country," Nassoro said.
Hosting the tournament is widely regarded as a major milestone for Tanzanian cricket.
Tanzania Cricket Association (TCA) Chairman Balakrishna Sreekumar said the event is the culmination of years of planning, investment and collaboration aimed at growing the sport in the country.He noted that the tournament would help strengthen cricket infrastructure while creating more opportunities for players, officials and supporters.
"Following the successful inauguration of the TCA Arena recently, we are honoured to welcome the participating teams to our new home of cricket," Sreekumar said.
"We look forward to delivering a memorable tournament and showcasing the warmth, hospitality and passion for cricket that this country has to offer."
Tournament Coordinator Atif Salim said the new venue, comprising Annexes A and B, is expected to host major international tournaments in the future.
He added that Tanzania will immediately host the ICC Under-19 Women's World Cup Africa Qualifiers after the conclusion of the current tournament, further strengthening the country's position as a regional cricket hub.
The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Challenge League B qualifiers began in Uganda in November 2024 before moving to Hong Kong China in February 2025. The final leg is now being staged in Dar es Salaam, where 15 List A matches will be played.
With only the top two teams progressing to the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Qualifier Play-off, every match will be crucial in determining which nations remain on course to qualify for next year's ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.
Beyond the race for qualification, the tournament offers Tanzania an opportunity to showcase its growing sports infrastructure, organisational capacity and commitment to developing cricket at both regional and international levels
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