At just five, Hamza Khan picked up a cricket bat for the first time. Fifteen years later, the game has taken him from club grounds to the international stage, where he has become one of the leading figures in Rwanda’s emerging cricket story.

Born in Pakistan, Khan has made Rwanda his cricketing home. His journey reflects both his personal growth and the rapid development of the sport in a country increasingly making its mark internationally.

"I picked up my bat when I was five years old, and I started playing professional cricket when I was 14,” Khan said.

His journey into Rwanda’s cricket system coincided with the sport’s growing popularity in the country.

"I started playing cricket at the club, and around that time Rwandan cricket began to grow. I played at the club for a long time and performed well. After that, they decided to put me in the national team,” he said.

For Khan, Rwanda has become more than just the country he represents. It is now central to his sporting identity.

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"I was born in Pakistan, but my cricket identity is Rwanda. The world knows me as a Rwandan cricketer. It’s pretty good.”

He hopes to one day obtain a Rwandan passport, reflecting the strong connection he has developed with the country.

According to the ICC, a player must have resided in a country for at least three years to qualify to represent it on the basis of residency, a requirement that applies to both men’s and women’s cricket.

Once a player has qualified and represented a country, they remain eligible to represent that country permanently and do not need to re-establish their eligibility under the nationality criteria for future matches.

Khan credits the many coaches, teammates and officials who have supported him throughout his career rather than singling out one person.

"There are so many. I can&039;t name them all because it is a long journey of 15 years,” he said.

The innings that changed everything

Khan’s biggest moment came in May during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier in Gaborone, Botswana.

He smashed an unbeaten 164, including 15 sixes, against Ivory Coast, producing one of the most remarkable innings in Rwanda’s cricket history.

Yet Khan insists there was no elaborate plan behind the record-breaking performance.

"I didn't expect this record. I was just playing simple cricket,” he said.

Even after reaching his century, he did not realise the significance of his innings.

"I didn't know about the record. I was just playing my simple cricket.”

It was only two days later that he learned the magnitude of his achievement. His unbeaten 164 became the second-highest individual score in men’s T20I cricket, behind Aaron Finch’s 172 for Australia against Zimbabwe in 2018.

"It was the best moment for me and Rwandan cricket,” he said.

Despite the landmark performance, Khan has remained focused on the future.

"Nothing special. I just feel good and focus on the upcoming games.”

Rwanda’s cricket on the rise

Khan’s rise has come alongside significant progress in Rwandan cricket.

He believes facilities, training and coaching have improved considerably in recent years.

"Now the facilities are better than in 2023. We have better practice facilities and the best coaches, so it is good now,” he said.

He also praised the collective effort within Rwanda’s cricket structure, from the men’s and women’s senior teams to the Under-19 sides and management.

"Rwandan cricket is growing day by day. All players, women and men, and the management are working hard. Everyone is working hard to grow Rwandan cricket.”

That progress, he says, has helped Rwanda gain greater recognition internationally.

"Yes, people know Rwanda in global cricket,” Khan said.

Away from international duty, Khan continues to contribute at club level, where he has surpassed 1,000 runs.

One step from the World Cup

The next target is even bigger: helping Rwanda qualify for the T20 World Cup.

Khan believes the team is close to achieving that dream.

"We are already there. We are just one step far,” he said.

His confidence is unwavering.

"Two hundred percent believe. The World Cup is also playing. We are human beings; there is nothing special. Just work hard, believe and do the right things. Nobody can stop us to reach the World Cup.”

For Khan, qualification would be more than a personal achievement. It would represent a landmark moment for Rwandan cricket.

"It would be the best achievement as a country and help in growing Rwanda cricket.”

Message for the next generation

Khan’s journey from picking up a bat at five to becoming an international record-holder has taught him that success does not come overnight.

His advice to young Rwandan cricketers is simple: work hard, remain patient and believe.

"They need to work hard and believe. Don't give up. Cricket takes time. In a few weeks you don't become a cricketer. It takes time and focus,” he said.

After 15 years in the game, Khan has already written his name into Rwanda’s cricket history.

But the unbeaten 164 against Ivory Coast may only be the beginning.

With Rwanda now chasing a place at the T20 World Cup, Khan believes the next chapter could be the biggest yet.