NOMINEE
Francis Trevor Samura
Chairman, Cricket Sierra Leone
Francis Trevor Samura is a visionary sports administrator, cricket development leader, and lifelong ambassador for the game whose unwavering commitment has transformed cricket in Sierra Leone. As Chairman of Cricket Sierra Leone (CSL), he has dedicated nearly two decades to rebuilding and advancing the sport, establishing one of the most compelling success stories in Associate cricket.
Mr. Samura began his formal leadership journey with the Sierra Leone Cricket Association (SLCA) in 2007 as Assistant Secretary. Through his dedication, integrity, and strategic leadership, he rose through the organization and served as the voluntary Chief Executive Officer from 2012 to 2021. During this remarkable nine-year tenure, he demonstrated extraordinary selflessness by reinvesting his entire CEO salary into grassroots cricket development, ensuring that financial resources directly benefited young players, schools, coaches, and community programs. In 2021, he was elected Chairman of Cricket Sierra Leone, where he continues to lead the organization's ambitious vision for sustainable growth and international success.
Under his leadership, Cricket Sierra Leone has achieved unprecedented progress on and off the field. Between 2021 and 2025, Sierra Leone's ICC Associate Member Scorecard ranking improved dramatically, rising from 52nd to 17th in the world—one of the most significant governance-driven improvements among ICC Associate Members. During this period, Cricket Sierra Leone successfully managed four national teams, including Under-19, senior men's, and senior women's programs, competing in 24 international tournaments and establishing Sierra Leone as an emerging force in international cricket.
One of the defining achievements of Mr. Samura's tenure came in 2025 when Sierra Leone's Women's Patriots captured the Botswana Cricket Association Kalahari Women's T20 International Tournament title in Gaborone, marking a historic international championship for Sierra Leonean cricket. His commitment to excellence has extended beyond competition, creating pathways for athletes to compete confidently on the global stage while inspiring a new generation of cricketers across the country.
Recognizing that long-term success depends upon financial sustainability, Mr. Samura has also transformed the organization's commercial outlook. Through innovative partnerships and strategic planning, Cricket Sierra Leone recorded a 57 percent increase in non-ICC revenue, significantly reducing reliance on international funding and creating a stronger foundation for future growth.
Perhaps his most ambitious legacy is the development of a world-class cricket complex in Sussex, Sierra Leone. Through persistent advocacy and strategic collaboration with government and sporting partners, Cricket Sierra Leone secured support following its inclusion within the country's National Olympic Committee and Commonwealth Games Association. The planned facility represents one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in Associate cricket and will feature four international-standard cricket grounds, a high-performance cricket academy, modern indoor training facilities, and approximately 40 outdoor practice nets. Designed to meet international standards, the complex will position Sierra Leone to host major ICC events while serving generations of aspiring cricketers.
Beyond administration, Mr. Samura is a true servant of the game. A former player at school and club level, he served as Vice-Captain of the Sierra Leone Police Cricket Club and has continued to contribute through education and officiating. He is a qualified cricket coach, qualified umpire, ICC-certified Coach Tutor, ICC-certified Umpire Tutor, and certified Cricket Administrator (CAP). His diverse qualifications reflect a lifelong commitment to every aspect of cricket development, from player education to governance and technical excellence.
Grassroots development remains the cornerstone of his leadership philosophy. Under his guidance, Cricket Sierra Leone has dramatically expanded school cricket throughout the country. In 2025 alone, the organization trained
