Premium
Cricket Kenya launches T20 league
From left: Kenya cricket legends Elijah Odhiambo, Maurice Odumbe, Martin Suji, David Obuya, Kennedy Obuya, Rajab Ali listen to Chandra Prakash Panwar of Arena of Sports during the launch of CK T20 tournament in Nairobi on August 27, 2025
Cricket Kenya has launched the Cricket Kenya (CK) T20 League in honour of the national teams that took part in the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup in 1996 and 2003.
The league, which is set to bowl off in Nairobi in November, will feature six franchises, including Nairobi Challengers, Simba Royals, Mombasa Wildebeests, Kisumu Tuskers, Rhino Hitters, and the Masai Mara Warriors.
Each Franchise will field local players, while foreign players will be recruited, subject to approval by the International Cricket Council.
This comes after a lucrative deal which was signed between CK and the Dubai/India-based sports promotional outfit Arena of Sports AOS Sport Tournament.
“This strategic collaboration is poised to catapult Kenyan cricket to unprecedented heights. The CKT20 League promises to unlock vast potential for Kenyan cricketers, as well as talented players from the African associate Member nations,” Cricket Kenya Counties representative Kennedy Obuya said during the launch of the tournament in Nairobi on Wednesday.
Obuya said the tournament will be the foundation of the revival of Kenyan Cricket.
“If we are to use football as an example, 2024 CHAN has helped revive the hopes of the Kenyan football family. With the CK T20 league, we want to set the tone for the revival of cricket in the country,” he added.
AOS Chairman Chandra Prakash Panwar said, “It has been a challenge to make this event happen. The focus is to ensure that players, coaches, and fans have a thrilling cricket experience.”
Nairobi County Executive Committee Member for Sports Brian Mulama praised the concept of the tournament.
“This tournament celebrates two different generations. The players who brought Kenya glory between 1996 and 2003, and the youth who will get a chance to achieve their dreams of representing Kenya and restore the country’s place on the global cricket map,” said Mulama.
At the same event, Kenya’s Cricket legends were given 100,000 shillings each. Those honoured were Maurice Odumbe, Martin Suji, Peter Ong’ondo, Morris Ouma, Tony Suji, Elijah Otieno, Rajab Ali, David Obuya, Kennedy Obuya and Collins Obuya.
The legends will serve as tournament ambassadors for the CK T20 League.
