Brian Lara’s remarks about Rwandan cricket left Rwanda Cricket Association (RCA) smiling. The West Indies legend, who flew in Thursday for a day’s visit said that RCA’s development structure was the way to go if the sport is to grow.

"The fact that cricket started among the youth is a good sign for Rwanda. What needs to be done now is for RCA to double their efforts,” the cricket icon advised.

Sports Minister Joseph Habineza did not agree less insisting that RCA needs to popularize the sport.

"Cricket is a new sport in Rwanda so RCA needs to work hard to popularize the game,” he said.

Habineza, who angered the local cricket fraternity in the past when he said that cricket was not a priority as far as his ministry is concerned, however gave a part on the back of RCA, "With what has already been achieved, the future looks bright.”

Cricket was introduced in 2000 and three years later, Rwanda became an affiliate member of the ICC, the world’s cricket governing body.

Lara, who retired from international cricket in 2007, still holds world records in first class cricket (501*) and test cricket (400).

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