DELPHINE'S TRIP TO LONDON

Just over a month ago, England captain Eoin Morgan lifted the ICC Cricket World Cup at Lord’s. Delphine Mukarurangwa, who plays in the Rwandan women’s team and works for Cricket Builds Hope, was there to see him do it…

Delphine with Cricket World Cup winner Jason Roy at the Kia Oval

“My name is Delphine Mukarurangwa, I am a cricket lover and I play on the Rwandan national team. I’m also a Cricket Builds Hope facilitator and program assistant, as well as a law undergraduate.

“I first saw cricket when I was in High School as some guys were playing at a sports facility on my way to school. I was fascinated by the game because it was nothing like the conventional Rwandan sports of volleyball, basketball and football. After a few days watching a couple of sessions, I was encouraged to give it a shot and I have not looked back since. Today I am a bowling all-rounder.

“Earlier this year I was invited by the ICC to go to London to take part in the Criiio Cup. The tournament aims to celebrate the diversity in which cricket is enjoyed in communities through the world, and our Rwanda team was invited to play alongside Germany, Brazil, India, Indonesia and of course the hosting country England. It was a once in a life time opportunity to play the game I love on the international stage in one of the best cities in the world! Meeting different people from all around the globe and sharing experiences with players from other countries and cultures was very refreshing.

“I realised that cricket has done a lot for social change not only in my country of Rwanda but also in other countries. The beauty about Criiio is that cricket now knows no boundaries – you can play anywhere, anytime. It’s also a great opportunity to share your experience with the world and also learn from the rest.

Delphine outside Lord’s ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup Final

“The main purpose of the trip was to play in the Criiio Cup tournament in Trafalgar Square and exchange our experiences on how cricket is played socially in our countries. But we also got a chance to look at some of the sites of London, like Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London and the London Eye.  

“The icing on the cake was watching what turned out to be  one of the greatest cricket matches ever – the ICC World Cup final. Just going to see a match at Lord’s – the Home of Cricket – made it a dream come true for me. But during the game I couldn’t believe what was happening! It was so tense and exciting.

“The day after we were at the Oval with the new world champions. I managed to congratulate Jason Roy, Joffra Archer and Ben Stokes – being able to meet them in person was definitely one of my best memories.

“I want to thank ICC for organising the trip and giving us this great opportunity. I also want to thank the Rwanda Cricket Association and Cricket Builds Hope for all their support.”

Delphine and her teammates with Cricket Builds Hope Chair of Trustees Richard Nicoll in Trafalgar Square for the Criiio Cup