Eric Dusingizimana - The man who revolutionised Rwandan cricket

He can be hailed as the one of the pioneers who revolutionised Rwandan cricket. Eric Dusingizimana is a cricketer whom many of the ardent cricket fans may not have even heard of in general but he is well and truly one of the silent ambassadors of this great sport. He has captained Rwanda national cricket team in ICC regional competitions including 2012 ICC Africa Twenty20 Division Three tournament.

He recently made his international debut (on 18 August 2021) against Ghana in his country's maiden international match. 

=== Guinness World Record ===

In 2016, he made headlines after achieving  Guinness World Record for the longest ever individual batting session. He batted for about 51 consecutive hours to break the world record which was previously held by India's Virag Mare. The Independent, 2016

His world record attempt was not to be meant for the sake of gaining attention from media but it was his mission to collect and raise adequate funds in order to build Rwanda's first ever cricket ground. ESPN Cricinfo, 2016 His attempt was to build up a cricket ground which can serve as a breeding ground for the future youngsters of Rwanda to take the sport seriously.

His world record attempt was never easy as he did not get much attention and support from Rwandan authorities although he appealed to them. Despite all odds, he managed to realise his dream of completing the 51 hour long batting session and then to raise funds to establish a cricket stadium which is now known as the Rwanda Cricket Stadium which is located in Rigali. The Telegraph, 2016

Five years later after accomplishing his mission, Eric appeared in his country's first ever international match at the very same ground for which he gave his soul and heart. Although he may not have had the greatest of starts to his international career, he has laid a solid platform for budding and emerging cricketers in Rwanda. He may not be compared to the elite cricketers with the likes of Rashid Khan or Sandeep Lamichchane for putting his country on global map but he has contributed immensely for the rise of Rwandan cricket to play at the international level.