By Bockarie Allieu
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The International Cricket Council few months ago gave the hosting right to Sierra Leone to host the regional Men’s World Cup T20 qualifier in 2026. Sierra Leone was banned from hosting all ICC and ACA organized tournament for lack of good and ICC recognized Oval.
The hosting pronouncement was made in Rwanda while the U-19 national was taking part in the U-19 World Cup qualifier competition.
Before this pronouncement, Cricket Sierra Leone was ready with a portion of land at the Fourah Bay College and at Sussex in Freetown.
To start their preparation of returning back as a host nation, the Cricket body invited few members of the National Sports Authority to witness the kick-off and turning of the sod for the Oval project at FBC. The state of the art project is taking place at the Havelock ground at FBC. The above project was launched on the 14th June 2024 with the clearing of the bush by the bulldozer machine.
The occasion was graced by the Deputy Executive Director of NSA Dr. Abdul Rahman Swaray with other board members of NSA.
Also present were the FBC Administrative members, board and executive members of Cricket Sierra Leone.
In his statement, Dr. Swaray commended the board members of Cricket Sierra Leone for embarking on a project that will bring success into the game.
He went on that NSA is very much pleased with the Cricket leadership for embarking on strides driving development forward.
Cricket, he said has always being returning home with laurels whenever they take part in international competitions and that playing at home with the full support of their fans they will win more laurels.
Dr. Swaray further stated that developing sports is their greatest priority.
The Chairman of Cricket Sierra Leone, Francis Trevor Samura thanked the NSA members for leaving their busy schedule to witness this great event which everybody has been waiting for.
He assured them that after the completion of the turf Oval, they will win more laurels both at home and away.
Before then, he said the players have been training on concrete pitch and play tournament on turf pitch. He told them that after the FBC project their next project is at the Sussex land.
He assured them that after the project Sierra Leone will host several tournaments both under age and senior tournaments for male and female.
