Once upon a time, a government minister, now deceased, despised (for a lack of better word) cricket, stating cricket was not a priority. This was when the Rwanda Cricket Association approached the Ministry of Sports, Youth and Culture, as it was called then, seeking support to facilitate the men's national team for its maiden international competition in South Africa. True, then cricket was just taking root in Rwanda. We didn't have a single female cricketer. Only a handful of men's clubs of which just one (Right Guards) had black/local players. The rest had Indians or players of Indian origin. Twenty years on, Gisele Ishimwe, Rwanda’s rising cricket star has the chance to become a source of inspiration for young cricketers in the country, especially female players, showing that even the smallest cricketing nations can produce talent. The story of Ishimwe is a testament to the power of passion, persistence, and possibility. Her current stint at Odiham and Greywell Cricket Club in the Hampshire Women’s Cricket League could serve as a turning point, not just for her own career, but also for the future of Rwandan women's cricket. For starters, Odiham & Greywell Cricket Club was formed in 1764 and is one of the five oldest cricket clubs in the world. The club runs four senior teams and two women's teams in the Hampshire League as well as junior sides in the North East Hampshire Youth League with teams from under 9s to under 15s. Tradition. In many ways, Ishimwe’s journey is symbolic of the rapid growth that Rwandan women’s cricket has experienced in recent years. From playing in local schools and grassroots tournaments to now holding her own in a competitive league in England, the trajectory of Ishimwe’s career mirrors the strides the sport has made in Rwanda. The country’s cricket governing body (RCA), under the stewardship of Stephen Musaale, has successfully laid the groundwork, nurturing young talent through various school tournaments. However, as Ishimwe’s trial unfolds, it raises important questions about the sustainability of these breakthroughs and what her success or failure could mean for other budding Rwandan cricketers. Her performance in England thus far has been nothing short of exceptional, highlighted by an almost perfect debut last month that saw her score 111 runs off 79 balls and take six wickets. This stunning display not only elevated her status among local cricketers but also drew attention to the untapped potential of Rwandan athletes. ALSO READ: Ishimwe seizes Hampshire opportunity to make her mark in English cricket Ishimwe’s remarkable debut is indicative of the growing confidence and skill among Rwandan cricketers, who, until recently, had limited international exposure. Her ability to adapt quickly to a higher level of competition speaks volumes about not just the depth of her talent but her mental strength. Mentality is key in every aspect of life, and in professional sport, it's the master key. The importance of her stint in the UK is not just about personal achievement but about what it signifies for Rwandan women’s cricket as a whole. RCA needs to build on this opening. Playing in one of the most competitive women’s leagues in England opens new avenues for other players back home. The fact that she has been able to make a big impression so early in her time at Odiham and Greywell will inevitably inspire both male and female cricketers in Rwanda to dream bigger, believing that professional opportunities are within reach. If Ishimwe succeeds, her trailblazing will cement her legacy not only as a player but as a role model for future generations. Her words reflect the heavy burden of responsibility she feels in being the only Rwandan woman in the competition. “Being the only Rwandan girl here gives me a sense of responsibility to represent my country,” she said in exclusive interview with Times Sport. Her success could open doors not only for other female cricketers but also for male players who are looking to make the leap onto the paid ranks. However, the flip side is also crucial. Failure, while an uncomfortable thought, can have equally far-reaching consequences. If Ishimwe struggles to live up to the high standards she has set in England, it could set back the dreams of many aspiring cricketers in Rwanda. The fear is that the world may see her trial as a one-off, a chance missed for a small cricketing nation, and the next opportunity for another player may be harder to come by. The onus, therefore, is on Ishimwe to continue her upward trajectory and keep proving her worth. We should all support her. The all-rounder is already one of Rwanda's most important female cricketers, along with national team captain Marie Diane Bimenyimana, Clarisse Uwase, Henriette Ishimwe and Belise Murekatete. She is expected home to link up with the senior national team preparing for the 2025 ICC Women's T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier, which will take place in Botswana this month. This tournament is part of the qualifier for the 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup. Rwanda qualified for the inaugural ICC Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup in 2023 after winning the Africa Qualifier, thereby becoming the first Rwandan team to qualify for an ICC tournament. Rwanda beat both Zimbabwe and the West Indies as they reached the Super Six stage of the tournament. Notably, bowler Henriette took four wickets in four balls against Zimbabwe. Rwanda competed in the Africa Qualifier for the tournament in September 2022. They finished second in their group, winning three of their four matches to qualify for the semi-finals. They went on to beat Uganda in the semi-finals and Tanzania, by 6 wickets, in the final. It was the first time that Rwanda had qualified for a Cricket World Cup in any format. Meanwhile, the annual Kwibuka T20 Women International tournament continues to grow with each passing year in size, stature and competitiveness. Tanzania winning the title this year after beating Zimbabwe in tbe final, and Rwanda defeating defending champions Uganda, is proof of the tournament's unpredictability. Nine countries took part, including Brazil while Germany were invited and confirmed their participation but didn't appear. Beyond individual performances, the success of Rwandan cricketers on the international stage will be heavily reliant on strategic partnerships. Ishimwe’s trial was made possible by the sponsorship of Hampshire County, a gesture that has provided her with the chance to test her skills in one of the most established cricketing systems in the world. It’s clear that such partnerships between Rwandan clubs and international organizations will be key in giving players the exposure and experience they need. Already, Hampshire have a running partnership with Rwanda's leading women's club, Indatwa Hampshire CC. Prayer is that this will lead to more such arrangements. If this opportunity is allowed to flourish, there is no reason why other talented players—both male and female—should not also be offered similar chances to develop their careers abroad. The RCA has laid an excellent foundation, but the infrastructure to support these talents is still in its infancy. More must be done to cultivate similar opportunities for men’s cricket as well. In this sense, Ishimwe’s journey is both an individual triumph and a call to action. It’s a chance to reflect on how far Rwandan women’s cricket has come, and how far it still has to go. If Ishimwe can maintain her strong form in England and build on her performance, it will be a massive boost for the sport in Rwanda. But her success is not just about her—it's about creating a pathway for others to follow. For Rwanda’s cricketers, both current and future, the dream of playing professional cricket is now more tangible than ever before but as they say, the jury is...
