Kenyan cricket legends during the launch of the T20 League on Wednesday/ CHARLENE MALWA Cricket Kenya have sealed a five-year Sh255 million deal with Dubai/India-based AOS Sport Tournament to bankroll a new CK T20 League in November.
CK unveiled the six-franchise league on Wednesday, which will run for 25 days in November.
The franchises are Nairobi Challengers, Simba Royals, Mombasa Wildebeests, Kisumu Tuskers, Rhino Hitters and the Masai Mara Warriors.
Each franchise will field local talent and a maximum of six foreign players per match, subject to International Cricket Council (ICC) approval.
CK counties representative and former Kenya international Kennedy Obuya believes the new league will be key in reviving the sport.
The league is in honour of the iconic national teams of between 1996 and 2003. As per the deal, AOS Sport will inject Sh38 million in the 2025 season, which will increase annually to reach Sh64 million by 2029.
Obuya said: “This league is going to improve our game, give our players unmatched exposure, and take Kenya back to the global limelight.”
“It will improve CK revenues, the welfare of players, and create opportunities for women cricketers and grassroots development across counties.”
The tournament is designed to engage youth and provide a platform for emerging talent to showcase their skills.
“For the national team players, this is remarkable. It’s like starting from scratch, but with AOS on board, more kids will get an opportunity. That’s why we have involved members of the counties to make this truly national,” he said.
AOS Sport chairman Chandra Panwar described the partnership as a game-changer, acknowledging the challenges overcome to make the project a reality.
“It has been a challenge to make this event happen. The focus is to ensure players, coaches and fans have a thrilling cricket experience. We are here to make this game happen because Kenya’s cricket deserves to rise again,” Panwar said.
“Nine years from now, it will make a difference. This will bring employment opportunities, international exposure and make Nairobi a hub for sports.”
The league, modelled on the successful IPL T20 format, will offer Kenyan fans a world-class experience, with high-intensity fixtures attracting global attention.
Part of the funds, CK said, will fund youth programmes and county-level initiatives. Obuya expressed optimism about the long-term impact of the league.
“This is huge. It will be exciting, it will be thrilling, and it will turn around Kenya’s game for the better. We want this league to set the tone for the revival of cricket,” he said.
