Construction of the long-awaited Rwf950.2million state-of-the-art international cricket stadium in Rwanda at Gahanga in Kicukiro district has started, and the stadium is expected to be ready for use in two years.

Speaking shortly before leaving for World Cricket Greats Dinner in the UK, where he was invited to take part, the national cricket team captain, who is also the general manager of Rwanda Cricket Stadium Foundation, Eric Dusingizimana said the stadium will further develop the game in Rwanda.

"Upon completion, the stadium will attract many international players and tournaments as well as availing the facilities for modern training facilities, which in the end will boost the development of the sport in the country and region at large,” he said.

Cricket has rapidly grown in Rwanda for the last decade but the facilities to accommodate all the cricketers in all categories, have become inadequate, therefore once the stadium is completed, it will present a fitting environment that will attract more youngsters to the ‘gentleman’s game’.

For the last 15 years, over 10,000 Rwandans of all ages and categories have been introduced to the game and today they are very active players despite the limited facilities.

Currently, US$600,000 has been mobilized for the first phase of the construction, but the entire project is expected to cost US$1.2 million (about Rwf950.2 million).

Dusingizimana’s week-long trip to England that included a fundraising dinner which raised £120,000 (about Rwf140 million) towards building the first cricket stadium in Rwanda.

The Rwanda Cricket Stadium Trust signed a partnership with Surrey to become the county club’s overseas charity partner. Surrey have donated £10,000 and pledged to commit a further £40,000 over the next five years.

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