Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) announced the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Uganda became the 12th team after hosts West Indies, USA, New Zealand, Australia, England, India, Afghanistan, South Africa, Oman and Nepal to unveil their players for the showpiece, schedule to kick start on June 1.
Brian Masaba will lead the side while Riazat Ali Shah has been appointed as the vice-captain for the T20 World Cup. This will be Uganda's first World Cup appearance in their cricketing history after finishing second behind Namibia in the African T20 World Cup qualifier. They stunned Zimbabwe in the qualifying round to make it to the main draw of the showpiece event.
The squad was announced in a unique way just like how New Zealand and Australia made their squad announcements for the prestigious tournament. A video released by Uganda Cricket Association on its X handle (formerly Twitter), it gave a glimpse of day to day life of the people living in the African country. The video also showed the people's passion for the game.
Talking about the squad, 43-year-old Frank Nsubuga has been added to the squad and is set to become the oldest to play in the T20 World Cup. Nsubuga was part of the West and Central Africa team (which included Uganda, Malawi, Tanzania and Zambia) that participated in the 1997 ICC Trophy, which served as the qualification for the 1999 World Cup in England.
Indian-origin cricketer Alpesh Ramjani has been named in the 15-member squad that fly to Caribbean and the USA for the T20 World Cup 2024. Interestingly, Ramjani played for U16 and U19 Mumbai teams and was state team camp for two Ranji Trophy seasons. Last year, Alpesh Ramjani claimed the most wickets in T20Is (55).
Uganda's former U19 player Juma Miyaji found his place in the squad for the prestigious event. Former Saurashtra player Dinesh Nakrani too included in the squad.
Uganda Squad: Brian Masaba (c), Simon Ssesazi, Roger Mukasa, Cosmas Kyewuta, Dinesh Nakrani, Fred Achelam, Kenneth Waiswa, Alpesh Ramjani, Frank Nsubuga, Henry Ssenyondo, Bilal Hassun, Robinson Obuya, Riazat Ali Shah (VC), Juma Miyaji, Ronak Patel.
Travelling Reserves: Innocent Mwebaze, Ronald Lutaaya
Uganda schedule for the T20 World Cup
Uganda have been clubbed in Group C alongside hosts West Indies, Afghanistan, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. The T20 World Cup debutant will begin their campaign against Afghanistan in Guyana on June 3.
Then, Uganda will take on Papua New Guiena at Providence Stadium at Guyana's Georgetown on June 5. Brian Masaba-led will face hosts West Indies at the same venue on June 8.
Uganda will play their final league stage match against 2021 finalists New Zealand at Brian Lara Cricket Academty in Trinidad. After making it to the main draw of the T20 World Cup following their second place in African qualifiers, Uganda will look to have great campaign in their maiden ICC tournament.
