TANZANIA's senior men's cricket team is expected to open its quest for qualification for the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup on September 21, confronting Mali in the Sub Regional Africa Qualifier A's tie in Dar es Salaam.

Cameroon, Ghana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mali, and the hosts Tanzania would compete in the week-long ICC Men's T20 World Cup Sub Regional Africa Qualifier A, with teams finishing in the top two places making it to the next stage.

The opening day would also have Lesotho facing Malawi at the Dar es Salaam Gymkhana Club's ground.

Ghana would come up against the fellow West African nation of Cameroon at the same venue.

In the following clash, the Abhik Patwa-led Tanzania would lock horns with Lesotho at the Dar es Salaam Gymkhana Club's ground.

The day would witness two more ties, one of which would pit Cameroon against Mali at the same venue.

Ghana would play against Malawi at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) venue on the same day.

Tanzania Cricket Association (TCA) Media and Communication Officer Atif Salim said the tournament promises thrilling clashes as the participating cricketers showcase their skills and battle for qualification for the following stage.

Minister for Culture, Arts, and Sports Damas Ndumbaro handed over the national flag to the senior national team at an occasion, which also had the minister having an audience with the squad in the city last weekend.

The TCA Chairman, Balakrishna Sreekumar, and the body's several other officials were also in attendance.

Ndumbaro said: "We are proud to host the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Sub Regional Africa Qualifier A. We warmly welcome teams from Ghana, Malawi, Cameroon, Lesotho, and Mali.'

He disclosed: "A special thank you to the International Cricket Council (ICC) for choosing Tanzania to host this event. Our government, led by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, believes that sports are vital to the growth of our nation." 

The minister also revealed that TCA, under Sreekumar's leadership, has made incredible strides in the development of cricket in Tanzania.

Ndumbaro added: " We are committed to supporting the sport and ensuring a successful and memorable tournament for all."

Speaking during the event, Sreekumar revealed: "I'm excited and honoured as we hear up to host the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Sub Regional Africa Qualifier A."

The TCA leader stated: "This tournament follows the successful hosting of the ICC U-19 Men’s World Cup Africa Qualifier Division 2 in August. I want to sincerely thank the ICC for trusting Tanzania once again to consecutively host international tournaments.

"We warmly welcome all participating countries, ICC officials, umpires, scorers, and guests to our beautiful city- Dar es Salaam. Cricket continues to grow in Tanzania and I'm proud of the progress we have made in nurturing local talent.”

Sreekumar also pointed out: "I extend my gratitude to the Ministry of Culture, Arts, and Sports - especially Minister Ndumbaro - for his unwavering support. We are ready to ensure this tournament is a spectacular event, and we hope it will be played in the true spirit of the game."