Maasai Cricket Warriors: On a mission to save the rhinos

The Maasai tribesmen use cricket to engage the populace and mobilise opinion on safety of the endangered rhinos at OI Pejeta Conservancy in Laikipia.

The two-day cricket tournament is aimed at spreading awareness regarding the plight of the north-white rhino.

Cricket goes much beyond the frills of the 22 yards. It could be used to engage the populace and mobilise opinion on issues related to the society. The Maasai Cricket Warriors, who took to cricket in 2009, did as much when they played against the British Army Training Unit (BATUK) cricket team during a charity tournament called the "Last male Standing Rhino Cup."

The Maasai Cricket Warriors played against the British Army Training Unit (BATUK) cricket team during a charity tournament called the "Last male Standing Rhino Cup."

 

Held at the OI Pejeta Conservancy in Laikipia, Kenya, the two-day tournament is aimed at spreading awareness regarding the plight of the north-white rhino. The problems are amplified by the fact that the conservancy is home to the world's last three northern white rhinos - Sudan, Najin and Fatu. These tribesmen, through their exploits with the bat and ball, hope to create funding which will catalyse ongoing research to save this endangered species from extinction.