Uganda Cricket Cranes debut at T20 World Cup.
Intense training, camps, and African Games participation.
Strong leadership, national support, captain’s vision.
Warm-up matches precede tournament opener.
Cricket Cranes are embarking on a historic journey as they prepare for their debut appearance at the 2024 ICC T20 Cricket World Cup, scheduled to take place from June 1 to June 29 in the West Indies and the United States. In Group C, they are set to face off against two-time winners and hosts West Indies, along with formidable opponents such as Afghanistan, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. Despite the daunting challenge, the Cricket Cranes view this opportunity as a chance to assert themselves on the global cricketing stage and make their mark in the sport’s history.
Challenges and Opportunities
Being grouped alongside cricketing powerhouses presents both challenges and opportunities for the Cricket Cranes. While facing teams like West Indies and Afghanistan poses significant challenges, it also provides an invaluable opportunity for Uganda to showcase its cricketing talent and compete against some of the best teams in the world. The team is determined to approach each match with a competitive spirit and make their presence felt throughout the tournament.
Intensive Preparations: Training and Competitions
The road to the T20 World Cup has been paved with months of intensive training and preparation for the Cricket Cranes. Under the expert guidance of coach Abhay Sharma, the team has honed their skills through rigorous training camps held in Sri Lanka and India. These camps not only provided exposure to different playing conditions but also allowed the players to fine-tune their techniques and strategies. Additionally, competing in this year’s African Games served as a valuable opportunity for the team to test their mettle against regional rivals and further sharpen their competitive edge.
A Strong Leadership: Captaincy and Squad Composition
At the helm of the Cricket Cranes is captain Brian Masaba, supported by vice-captain Riazat Ali Shah. The team boasts a balanced squad comprising a mix of experienced players and promising talents.
National Support: Flag-off Ceremony and Words of Encouragement
The Cricket Cranes received a rousing send-off at a ceremony held in Lugogo, where State Minister for Sports Hon. Peter Ogwang emphasized the importance of mental resilience and focus in facing the challenges ahead. Uganda Cricket Association Chairman Michael Nuwagaba reflected on the journey leading up to this momentous occasion, expressing pride in representing the country and the African continent on the global stage. The team was encouraged to approach the tournament with confidence and determination, knowing that they carry the hopes and aspirations of a nation.
Captain’s Vision: Focus on Performance and Process
Captain Brian Masaba articulated the team’s vision, emphasizing the importance of focusing on performance and process rather than being fixated on outcomes. Masaba’s leadership philosophy revolves around instilling a culture of discipline, hard work, and resilience within the team. He believes that by staying committed to their game plan and executing their skills to the best of their ability, the Cricket Cranes can achieve success on the field.
Road Ahead: Warm-up Matches and Tournament Opener
As the Cricket Cranes gear up for their World Cup campaign, they will participate in two warm-up matches against Namibia and Scotland on May 28 and May 30 respectively. These matches will serve as final preparations before their tournament opener against Afghanistan on June 4 at the Providence Stadium in Guyana.
Full Squad
Roger Mukasa, Simon Ssesazi, Ronak Patel, Robinson Obuya, Riazat Ali Shah (Vice-Captain), Kenneth Waiswa, Dinesh Nakrani, Brian Mark Masaba (Captain), Bilal Hassun, Juma Miyagi, Cosmas Kyewuta, Frank Nsubuga, Henry Ssenyondo, Fred Achelam, Alpesh Ramjani
Travelling Reserves: Innocent Mwebaze, Ronald Lutaaya
