ICC CHAIRMAN JAY SHAH INAUGURATES HISTORIC TCA ARENA IN TANZANIA

• Landmark inauguration marks a new chapter for cricket in Tanzania ahead of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Challenge League B 2026 

• Mr. Jay Shah, ICC Chairman: “This is a significant milestone for cricket in Tanzania” 

• Members of the media may download images from the inauguration event via the ICC Online Media Zone

International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman, Mr. Jay Shah, officially inaugurated the Tanzania Cricket Association’s (TCA) brand new TCA Arena on Sunday, 2 August 2026, in a historic ceremony that marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for cricket in Tanzania. 

The ceremony brought together several luminary sporting and political figures, including ICC Board Directors, senior government officials and various members from the wider national and international sports ecosystem. 

 Joining Mr. Shah on the official stage were Prof. William A.L. Anangisye, Vice Chancellor of the University of Dar es Salaam; Ms Neema Msitha, Secretary General of the National Sports Council, and Dr B.S. Sreekumar, Chairman of the Tanzania Cricket Association.

The inauguration took place just days before Tanzania hosts the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Challenge League B 2026 from 8 to 18 August, with the TCA Arena serving as the principal venue for the competition. 

The journey towards completion of the TCA Arena began in October 2024, when the University of Dar es Salaam allocated land for the project. 

A groundbreaking ceremony followed in April 2025 in the presence of ICC Directors and representatives of ICC Member countries. Construction commenced in May 2025, beginning with extensive site clearance and ground preparation, and concluding in July 2026 with the venue ready to host international cricket. 

The TCA Arena provides Tanzania with a high-quality cricket facility capable of hosting ICC pathway events and international competitions. It will also serve as a centre for player development, coach and umpire education, talent identification, grassroots participation and community cricket programmes.

Mr. Jay Shah, ICC Chairman said: “The inauguration of the TCA Arena is a significant milestone for cricket in Tanzania and demonstrates what can be achieved through vision, commitment and strong collaboration. 

“The progress made by the Tanzania Cricket Association is remarkable. TCA have shown great ambition and determination in developing a modern cricket facility while continuing to expand participation, strengthen its workforce and create better opportunities for players across the country. 

“The TCA Arena represents an exciting future for cricket in Tanzania and the wider African region. It will provide an important platform for Tanzania to host international cricket, develop its players, coaches and match officials, and inspire more young people to become involved in the game.  

“The ICC will continue to work alongside Tanzania and its other Members to enhance cricket infrastructure, build local capability and ensure that the opportunities available through ICC programmes are used to create sustainable growth. 

Dr B.S. Sreekumar, Tanzania Cricket Association Chairman, said: “The inauguration of the TCA Arena is a defining moment for cricket in Tanzania. This facility is far more than a cricket ground; it represents a vision for the future of our sport and demonstrates what can be achieved through strong partnerships, commitment and belief.

“We are proud to provide our players, coaches and future generations with a world-class home for cricket, while creating new opportunities to host international competitions and inspire more young Tanzanians to embrace the game. On behalf of the Tanzania Cricket Association, I extend my sincere appreciation to the International Cricket Council, the University of Dar es Salaam, the Government of Tanzania, our sponsors, partners, contractors, staff and everyone whose dedication has made this dream a reality.” 

ENDS 

About the ICC 

The ICC is cricket’s global governing body, representing 110 members worldwide. It oversees major tournaments such as the Men’s and Women’s Cricket and T20 World Cups, enforces the Code of Conduct on professional standards and playing conditions (with the MCC responsible for the Laws of Cricket), appoints match officials for all international formats, and combats corruption through its Anti-Corruption Unit. Its Development department also works with Associate Members to strengthen cricket systems, raise standards, and grow the game globally. 

About the Tanzania Cricket Association 

The Tanzania Cricket Association is the national governing body for cricket in Tanzania and an Associate Member of the International Cricket Council. 

TCA is committed to growing cricket through participation programmes, education, workforce development, infrastructure investment, player pathways and the hosting of international competitions.