After the influx of Indian labourers into Africa to build the region's railway network the popularity of cricket expanded and by the end of World War II was one of the most played sports in the area.

[9] The next year in a match against the touring Sunder Cricket Club the East Africans were defeated by 9 wickets.

[10] In 1958 a South African team of non-European players toured the region and played one match against East Africa in Nairobi.

This time captained by Malcolm Ronaldson, a former first-class player for Eastern Province, East Africa was beaten in the three day match by the South African Non-Europeans by 7 wickets.

[12] The match was best remembered by a fast paced unbeaten century by Basil D'Oliviera in the Commonwealth team's second innings.

[14] The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) toured in 1963/4 playing three games in Uganda, one in Tanganyika and seven in Kenya.

[16] An International XI of English first-class players visited in 1968 and played a 3-day match against East Africa in Nairobi.

[17] East Africa toured England in June and July 1972, playing 18 matches against domestic teams, including a six-wicket victory against North Wales.

There were three notable omissions from the East African squad when it was announced, Basher Hassan, Dudley Owen-Thomas and John Solanky.