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Botswana Cricket Team Begins Bengaluru Tour with High Hopes Ahead of Africa Qualifiers
A Strategic Training Camp to Sharpen Skills for T20 World Cup Qualifiers
The Botswana national men’s cricket team, popularly known as the Baggy Blues, has touched down in Bengaluru for an intensive high-performance training camp. This crucial preparatory phase, spanning two weeks, is designed to bolster their readiness for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier Finals set to take place in Harare, Zimbabwe next month.
Organized through a collaborative initiative between the Botswana Cricket Association (BCA) and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), the Bengaluru visit aims to provide the Botswana squad with both world-class facilities and competitive match experience. During their stay, the team will compete in six T20 warm-up games against regional sides in Karnataka.
Indian Support Powers the Botswana Tour
Partnership Strengthens Cricketing Bonds Between Botswana and India
The tour has been made possible thanks to the support from the Indian High Commission in Botswana, particularly High Commissioner Bharath Kumar Kuthati, whose backing played a pivotal role in enabling the international engagement. His diplomatic support underscores the strengthening of sporting ties between India and Botswana.
In recognition of the team’s potential and rising ambitions, Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) President Col. Botsang Tshenyego addressed the team before departure. He urged the players to draw inspiration from the Botswana Davis Cup tennis team, which has made significant strides recently on the African stage.
🏏 “Carry the same winning mindset as our tennis team. Play bold and bring pride to our flag,” Col. Tshenyego reportedly told the players.
Read about previous international cricket training camps held in India.
Competitive Warm-Ups and a Golden Opportunity for Exposure
These six T20 warm-up matches are not just practice games; they serve as litmus tests for Botswana’s preparedness ahead of their biggest challenge of the year — securing qualification for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The tour presents players with a rare opportunity to test their skills against strong local opposition in India, a country known for its cricketing excellence and competitive depth.
Additionally, this exposure is expected to boost team morale and sharpen their tactical acumen under Indian conditions, which are often different from the African pitches the players are accustomed to.
Growing Botswana Cricket on the Global Map
The BCA continues to work diligently toward the global promotion of Botswana cricket. By facilitating overseas exposure, especially in cricket-rich nations like India, the association hopes to raise the standard of cricket back home.
The tour also aligns with the BCA’s broader vision to transform Botswana into a more competitive force in global T20 cricket, especially with the increasing number of associate teams breaking into ICC events.
What’s Next for the Baggy Blues?
With only weeks to go before the Africa Qualifier Finals in Zimbabwe, this Bengaluru camp could prove pivotal. Botswana’s performance in Harare will determine their path toward securing a spot in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, and momentum gained from this Indian tour might just be the competitive edge they need.
For more on how associate nations are preparing for ICC events, visit the official ICC website.
