By Arwa Huzaifa Hameed
Cricket fever swept through Nairobi as the Dawoodi Bohra community’s marquee, The Saifee Burhani T10 (SBT 10) tournament, brought high-octane action, palpitating passion, and a surge of local pride to the global stage in Africa.
Organised by Burhani Sports, a community organisation, the city of Nairobi hosted the seventh season of SBT10. The tournament brought together sixteen teams from across the world for 63 matches over a week. It all culminated in the grand finale where two Indian teams faced off each other. In the thrilling showdown, Gujarat Energetics toppled defending champions Maharashtra Stars to seize the community cricket title.
“We knew Maharashtra was a formidable side as they had not lost a match since the semifinal in Season 5,” remarked a player from the Gujarat Energetics side.
However, in a surprising turn of events, the Gujarat team broke that streak, scripting a memorable victory to go down in the tournament’s history.
“It has surely been an exciting season. We hope to see the other regions raising the trophy soon too,” said a spectator.
This marks yet another major sporting event for Nairobi’s Annadil Jamaly grounds, which in December 2024 hosted an international football tournament. “Following that success, organisers were convinced this venue had the perfect atmosphere and energy for global fixtures,” said an event coordinator.
A 12-member local organising team collaborated with event management professionals from Dubai to ensure the tournament met international standards. Matches were also held at Jaffery Sports Club, Nairobi Gymkhana and Simba Union, bringing action to different parts of the city.
“The stakes and expectations to deliver were sky-high,” says Habil Jivanji, 36, a core member of the Nairobi organising committee. “We accepted the challenge and worked tirelessly to ensure everything was executed as efficiently and swiftly as possible.”
Mohammed Presswala of Maharashtra shared his sentiments: “It’s a great honour to participate in this tournament and represent my community. Sports is not just a display of skill but also a measurement of maturity.”
A committed participant in every season since the tournament’s early days, Presswala noted how the event has grown, welcoming new players and diverse venues. “From our grounds in India to the grandeur in Dubai, today we are proud to be playing here in Nairobi,” he added.
Hamza Total, 33, from the Nairobi team, shared words of encouragement to the younger generation: “Try. Come out and participate. Get on the field. There’s something truly special about being part of a team sport.”
The grand finale also welcomed Gary Kirsten, legendary South African opener and World Cup-winning coach for India as Chief Guest — a moment that brought global cricket prestige to the event.
Among the standout players was Murtaza Trunkwala, the Maharashtra Stars’ team captain, a Ranji Trophy champion and soon-to-be IPL participant. One of the more experienced players from the Dawoodi Bohra community, Trunkwala is known for his mentorship and a role model to aspiring players..
Yusuf Ebrahim of the England Lions, also a seasoned participant, said, “It was a remarkable achievement for us to reach the quarter finals. We’ve persevered, improved year after year, and one day we intend to bring it home.”
From the stands to the streets, everyone bonded over the city’s rich and diverse food culture. Sharing stories and laughter over a barbecue platter became a highlight of the event — a reminder that cricket is more than just a game; it’s about community, culture, and connection.
Speaking for the organisers, Habil summed it up: “The greatest reward from the tournament was satisfaction from the crowd. Every time we walked around the ground, we received all kinds of appreciation messages from the audience, players, local community, and visitors – the feeling is truly one of a kind.”
As the curtain falls on Season 7, one thing is clear — SBT10 has become a cornerstone of cricket within the Dawoodi Bohra community. It’s a tournament that blends elite competition with local pride and global ambition, becoming a fixture looked forward to by community sportspeople each year.