Kigali, Rwanda – June 3 2025. The heartbeat of Kigali’s Central Business District – the iconic Car-Free Zone – was transformed into a colorful, vibrant cricket runway on Monday afternoon as the captains of eight participating teams in the 11th Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament 2025 gathered for an official pre-event photoshoot.
Led from the famed Gahanga International Stadium by a police escort, the captains of Brazil, Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe Emerging, Cameroon, Nigeria, Tanzania, hosts Rwanda and Uganda arrived in high spirits, radiating both elegance and sportsmanship. Malawi, the 9th entrant, missed due to their late flight.
The hour-long session was not only flashbulbs and official poses – it was pure vibes. Laughter rang through the Car-Free Zone, an eco-conscious pedestrian haven that symbolizes Rwanda’s forward-looking urban development.
As tourists and locals strolled through the open Wi-Fi space, they paused to admire the beaming athletes posing under the gigantic “KIGALI” sign – now a famed landmark of unity, healing, and renewal in post-genocide Rwanda.
“We respect each other, but we’re here to play fearless cricket,” said Janet Mbabazi, captain of the Victoria Pearls of Uganda, during the official Pre Tournament Press Conference held later at Gahanga. “We’re ready to defend our crown.”
The Car-Free Zone, known for hosting open-air concerts, exhibitions, and health awareness events, was a fitting choice for this moment of celebration, camaraderie, and remembrance. Its green spaces, modern cafés, and community-first design reflect Rwanda’s vision for inclusive urban spaces – values that echo the essence of the Kwibuka initiative, which annually honours the victims of the 1994 Genocide.
The 2025 edition of the tournament runs from June 3 to 14 and will feature a single round-robin format where all nine teams play each other once. The top four will qualify for the semifinals on June 13, with the grand finale scheduled for June 14.
Uganda’s Victoria Pearls, three-time champions, begin their title defense against Cameroon on June 4, followed by a crucial clash against Zimbabwe Emerging on June 5 – a clash that promises fireworks and will test both sides’ mental and match mettle. “We must show improvement,” said coach Deus Muhumuza.
As cricket continues to foster bonds of peace and empower women across the continent and beyond, Kigali’s Car-Free Zone’s choice for the Captains Run Shoot provided the perfect setting for this spirited bowl-off.
