Kenya unveils CKT20 League to revolutionize local cricket

The tournament, backed by a lucrative partnership with Dubai- and India-based sports promoters Arena of Sports (AOS) Tournament, is set to bowl off on November 7 2025, marking a historic moment for the game in the country.

The five-year deal, signed earlier in April, promises to inject unprecedented resources into Kenyan cricket, with USD 300,000 (KSh 38 million) earmarked for the inaugural season.

According to AOS chairman Chandra Prakash Panwar, the investment will rise annually by USD 50,000, totalling nearly KSh 255 million over the contract period.

“This strategic collaboration is poised to catapult Kenyan cricket to unprecedented heights,” Panwar said, stressing the potential of the CKT20 to mirror the success of global leagues such as the IPL.

The new league will feature six franchises, set to battle it out in a 25-day showdown that mirrors the famed Indian Premier League format.

Each team will be allowed to sign up to six international stars, though only four can feature in any given match — a balance designed to ensure foreign attraction while prioritizing the growth of local talent.

Former Kenya international and current CK treasurer Kennedy Obuya called the league a potential turning point.

“This is huge. It will be exciting; it will be thrilling. It will turn around Kenya’s game for the better, especially our young talents.” He said.

Questions have arisen on whether the Africa Cricket Council (ACC) will approve the involvement of high-profile foreign players or whether the event will remain largely local.

Obuya clarified that the tournament will open doors to international stars citing examples given of players such as Australia’s David Warner or other global veterans who, though retired from international duty, could still feature in franchise cricket.

Additionally, several active T20 specialists from South Africa and beyond are expected to show interest.

Veteran cricket icon Martin Suji echoed those sentiments, drawing parallels with India’s IPL.

“Looking at where cricket in Kenya is, we need such games, we need such tournaments for our young talents to showcase their talent. If we can emulate what the IPL has done for India, I am sure Kenya cricket will reach the heights of 2003,” Suji noted.

He added that franchise recruitment of big-name players will depend on the financial returns, saying, “The bigger the pay-back, the bigger and the stars. The tournament is basically lucrative.”

The launch also celebrated Kenya’s 2003 World Cup heroes, with legends including the Obuya brothers — David, Collins, and Kennedy — alongside Maurice Ouma, Martin Suji, Maurice Ouma, and Raja Bali being honoured with KSh 100,000 cash prizes for their contributions to the sport.

Beyond cricket, the CKT20 is also expected to showcase Kenya’s cultural and tourism potential, with organizers keen to market Nairobi as a hub for international sport.

The Nairobi Gymkhana Grounds will host the tournament, with facility upgrades already underway.

Nairobi County Executive for Talent, Skill Development and Care, Brian Mulama, said the event offers a unique opportunity for the capital to partner with stakeholders and harness the full potential of cricket.

As Kenya gears up for its first-ever international T20 franchise league, optimism is running high.

For CK, the CKT20 is not just a tournament but a transformational project to restore Kenya’s cricketing glory, improve player welfare, and re-establish the nation as a respected force in global cricket.