Cool Cricket Arrives in Rwanda

Back in February, shortly after the England cricket team had been thumped by Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates, I was delighted to get an email out of the blue from former professional cricketer John Whitehouse. He had heard about our project on Test Match Special and offered to make a contribution to our efforts through his growing cricket supply business, Cool Cricket.

A few emails later, and after consultation with the President of the Rwanda Cricket Association, Cool Cricket were the official kit sponsors of the Rwanda national cricket team, providing them with one-day clothing for the upcoming ICC Africa Division 3 Championships in Johannesburg. The players looked smart, and were clearly proud to wear their new clothing. Feedback was brilliant and the kit is now held by the Rwanda Cricket Association in anticipation of the next international event in February – an ICC Africa Under 19 competition.

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But it wasn’t just clothing that John and Cool Cricket offered. They also donated 180 kilograms of brand new pads, bats, helmets, gloves, thigh pads and balls. The shipment landed in Kigali a couple of weeks ago and will be enjoyed by the country’s cricketers during the national club league season which starts next weekend.

Along with poor facilities, a lack of kit is the major issue hampering the game’s development here in Rwanda. Players take to the field without thigh pads, with ill-fitting pads, and bats that back home would be considered good for nothing but fire wood.

And it seems John’s generosity is catching. Former Leicestershire opening batsman Ian Butcher (uncle of former England batsman Mark Butcher) is coming to Rwanda for the whole of November armed with coaching aids and kit that has been donated by an anonymous donor from Barnes Cricket Club.

Thanks to John and his team at Cool Cricket for their support, and thanks to the donor at Barnes Cricket Club, whoever you are. If you’re reading this and you’d like to know more about our organisation, please visit our dedicated website.