By: Mohamed Abu Conteh
The Chairman of Cricket Sierra Leone (CSL), Francis Trevor Samura, joined cricket leaders from across Africa to meet International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman Jay Shah in Windhoek, Namibia, as the ICC intensifies efforts to grow and support cricket on the continent.
The meeting, held last week at the FNB Namibia Cricket Ground, brought together cricket presidents and administrators from 12 African countries and has been described by the ICC as a first-of-its-kind engagement in the history of the global governing body.
Discussions focused on strategic development programmes aimed at strengthening cricket structures, improving competitiveness, and expanding participation across Africa, particularly among Associate Member nations.
As part of the visit, Samura and other African cricket leaders attended a match in the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026 at the Namibia Cricket Ground, the newly inaugurated home venue of Cricket Namibia, where they watched emerging talents showcase their skills.
Addressing the forum, ICC Chairman Jay Shah reaffirmed the ICC’s commitment to working closely with African nations to advance the game. He urged cricket administrators to collaborate in driving sustainable growth and development.
Shah also pledged the ICC’s support in strengthening links between African cricket bodies and major international federations. He assured the leaders that the ICC would work to create pathways enabling African cricketers to access opportunities in major international cricket leagues.
The engagement underscores Africa’s growing importance in global cricket development and signals renewed momentum in efforts to expand the game across the continent.