Lara electrifies cricketers

West Indies cricket legend Brian Lara proved that class his permanent when he slogged Eric Dusabemungu for six during a brief three-ball innings at Kicukiro Oval yesterday. This was part of his nine-hour visit to Rwanda and time off from his eight-day ambassadorial tour of Uganda. Despite his retirement from international cricket back in 2007, the six came with great ease for the cricket great-a vivid testament of his sheer class and left many local cricketers gazing in amazement. One of Rwanda’s national team stars Eric Dusingizimana could not hide his excitement. “This guy makes cricket look very easy,” he said. During the visit, Lara also paid a visit to the Gisozi Genocide memorial site, had a courtesy call with the minister of foreign affairs Rosemary Museminali before a stretched chat with the sports minister Joseph Habineza. Habineza was delighted by Lara’s visit and lauded Rwanda Cricket Association (RCA) for attracting such a high profile sporting star. “It is always good to have such icons because the worst they can do is help improve and develop sports in Rwanda,” he said. RCA chief Charles Haba also thanked Lara for his visit. “This is a memorable day for Rwandan cricket. Having Lara amongst us is a great token to us,” he said. In Lara’s remarks, he lauded RCA and also pledged to use his expertise to take Rwandan cricket to a whole new level. “There is no doubt. After what I have seen, it is easy to say that I will come back,” the cricket icon added. Lara still holds world records in first class cricket (501*) and test cricket (400). Since his retirement, Brian Lara has established the Pearl and Bunty Lara Foundation, which is a charitable organisation in memory of his parents that aims to address health and social care issues. He is also an Ambassador for Sport of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Ends

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Lara electrifies cricketers