Former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair has hailed the progress of Cricket development in Rwanda.

Blair who is in the country to attend the ongoing World Economic Forum on Africa in Kigali made the remarks on Wednesday afternoon after a visit to Amahoro indoor stadium where Rwanda international cricketer, Eric Dusingizimana is attempting to break the Guinness World Record for longest time spent batting in the net.

Speaking to Times Sport in an interview after a meeting with Blair, Rwanda Cricket Association (RCA) General Manager, Robert Mugabe said that the former UK Prime Minister has expressed his gratitude to the noticeable development steps that have been achieved by Rwanda in building the game and pledged to support the efforts.

"He has told us that he is a great fan of cricket and even played it while in school. He also assured us that given the strong partnership that we (Rwanda) have with the United Kingdom, he is available to take part in cricket development,” said Mugabe

The national cricket team captain Dusingizimana is expected to bat for 51 hours nonstop at Amahoro Indoor Stadium, Remera, from May 11-13, meaning he will bat for two days and 3 hours nonstop to beat the current Guinness World Record held by an Indian, Virag Male, who batted for 50 hours.

Mugabe added that besides breaking the record, the event is meant to promote awareness about the sport in the country and encouraging the general public to support the works of the association that includes building an international cricket stadium in Gahanga, Kicukiro district.

"We have now involved schools right from primary to the university level to teach the sport because it’s a nice game, educative and yet entertaining,” he added

According to Mugabe, UK-based Non-Governmental Organization called Rwanda Cricket Stadium Foundation has donated over 600,000 pounds to construct the 1.2m pounds stadium with construction works set to commence next month.

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