When South Africa beat India in the T20 World Cup, it made a lot of headlines. Not just because it was a big win, but because India is one of the biggest cricket powerhouses in the world; beating a team like that requires a lot of training and skill.
It also got me thinking, we always talk about football as Africa’s most popular sport, and it is, but Cricket, on the other hand, has been quietly building its own fanbase in several African countries.
Beyond South Africa, where else on the continent is cricket more than just a “secondary” sport? 
Here are other countries where the sport is just as popular as football.
1. Zimbabwe
Cricket has long been just as organised and internationally recognised as football in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe is a full member of the International Cricket Council (ICC), which means it has Test status, something only a few countries in the world have and is very rare in Africa.
Although political and economic challenges have affected the country’s progress in the sport, it is still played well in schools and urban communities.
The Harare Sports Club also hosts international matches, and the sport continues to receive support even when the team’s performance goes up and down.
2. Kenya
Kenya became associated with the sport during the 2003 Cricket World Cup. They shocked the world by reaching the semi-finals and defeating established teams.
It was that achievement that contributed to cricket’s popularity across the country and inspired many young players to take the sport seriously.
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3. Namibia
In recent years, Namibia has successfully turned into a serious cricketing nation.
The country has qualified for global tournaments like the T20, and its impressive performance in every game has boosted cricket’s popularity at home. The country’s wins against better teams have earned Namibia international recognition and increased local fan interest.
4. Uganda
When people think of sports in Uganda, football usually comes first. But the thing is, cricket has been quietly doing its own thing and doing it well in the country.
The country’s team is the Cricket Cranes, and true to their name, they have grown into one of East Africa’s most competitive cricket teams. They have also played in the ICC tournaments, where they are strong competitors.
The reason for their vigour in the field is structure. The Uganda Cricket Association has built strong school and youth programmes, making sure cricket isn’t just for a small circle. Lugogo Cricket Oval in Kampala has become a real hub for the sport.
Football may still be the leading sport, but in terms of organisation and steady progress, cricket in Uganda is getting just as big.
Conclusion
South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Namibia and Uganda are not the only African countries where cricket is played. Countries like Nigeria, Tanzania, Rwanda and Botswana are also investing in the sport and slowly doing well.
However, the countries listed above stand out when it comes to the history of the sport, international recognition, and inclusion in school systems.
Football may still be king across Africa, but in these countries, cricket has carved out its own base.
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