THE first ever international cricket stadium in the country will cost a staggering 600,000 pounds (Rwf. 651m), according to Rwanda Cricket Association chairman Charles Haba.

Speaking during a press conference at Amahoro Stadium last Friday, Haba said that the association has raised 400,000 pounds (Rwf. 434m) for the first phase of the project. The rest of the money will become available before construction of the stadium starts next year.

Construction of the stadium on a 4.5 hectare site in Gahanga in Kicukiro District is due to begin in January.  According to Haba, the facility will play a big role to promote and develope cricket sport in the country. 

The stadium is the brainchild of Christopher Shale, British Prime Minister David Cameron’s constituency chairman, who died of a heart attack at the Glastonbury festival at the age of 56 in June 2011. 

The Rwanda Cricket Stadium Foundation, established in his honor and memory, is being overseen by his sons, Alby and Edo. 

The Rwanda Cricket Stadium Foundation was formed in August 2011 to build and manage, on a not-for-profit basis, the first dedicated international cricket ground in Rwanda. The charity is run by a team of cricket enthusiasts from the UK and Rwanda in partnership with the Marylebone Cricket Club Foundation.