Cricket

Uganda's Cricket Cranes are poised to make their historic debut at the T20 World Cup, a testament to their unwavering determination and the growing popularity of cricket in the East African nation. Despite being overshadowed by football, cricket has taken root in Uganda, thanks to its introduction by British settlers and the influx of Indian laborers.The Cranes, clad in their vibrant red kit, are undergoing rigorous training under the guidance of their new head coach, Abhay Sharma. Time is of the essence as they prepare to face formidable opponents like New Zealand, West Indies, Afghanistan, and Papua New Guinea.Captain Brian Masaba, ranked second in T20 international wins, is optimistic about the team's chances. "If we can pick up a couple of wins, it would be a huge bonus," he said. "But more importantly, the World Cup gives Uganda a platform to showcase our country."Juma Miyagi, a 21-year-old rising star, hopes the World Cup will not only boost Ugandan cricket but also propel his own international career. "I come from the ghetto," he said. "I would like to see myself in one of the biggest leagues in the world and maybe helping out my family."Veteran all-rounder Frank Nsubuga, at 43, is the elder statesman of the squad. "Having been playing for the last 27 years, I'm very excited to have qualified for the World Cup," he said. "It was my dream and it has come true."Coach Sharma, with his wealth of global experience, is confident in the team's abilities. "We are going step by step," he said. "We are working on their skill sets and mindset."While expectations are high, Sharma remains realistic. "This is a young team and it is a baby of global cricket," he said. "But they are in good shape and expectations are high."The Cricket Cranes' journey to the T20 World Cup is a testament to their passion, perseverance, and the growing popularity of cricket in Uganda. Their performance on the global stage will not only inspire a new generation of cricketers but also showcase the nation's sporting prowess.

Abhay Sharma, a seasoned Indian coach, has been appointed as the head coach of the Uganda men's cricket team. This marks a significant milestone for Uganda, as it prepares for its historic debut at the T20 World Cup in June.Sharma brings a wealth of experience to the role, having coached notable teams in the Indian domestic circuit, including the Delhi Ranji Team, Rest of India, and India A & B in the Deodhar Trophy. He has also served as the fielding coach for the senior India men's and women's teams, as well as the India A and India Under-19 men's teams."We selected Abhay Sharma for his strong leadership qualities and impressive track record of success at professional and international levels," said Jackson Kavuma, secretary of the Uganda Cricket Association (UCA). "His coaching stints with notable teams demonstrate his deep understanding of the game and ability to nurture players."Sharma expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and his commitment to the team's aspirations. "I am very grateful to UCA for this opportunity to work with a bunch of talented national cricketers," he said. "Having been in Uganda for just a couple of days, it already feels like my second home.""I am here to contribute to the team's aspirations, which include defeating the top sides in the world in the upcoming World Cup," Sharma added. "Additionally, I intend to focus on the development team and work with as many young cricketers to build numbers."Uganda Cricket has made significant strides in the past year, but Sharma identified areas for improvement, particularly in fielding. "What I have read in the newspapers and what I have seen in the data is that we have lost a couple of opportunities in the field," he said. "And yet even after missing out on those chances, we still qualified for the World Cup!""Imagine how much better we can perform if we address these lapses," Sharma continued. "With enhanced game awareness and mental fortitude, we can compete with the world's best teams on any given day."Uganda allrounder Alpesh Ramjani welcomed Sharma's appointment, saying, "His experience is a fortune for us. It is definitely going to help us in the World Cup, as well as for the development of the players individually."At the T20 World Cup, Uganda will face formidable opponents in Group C, including Afghanistan, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and West Indies. They will kick off their campaign on June 4 against Afghanistan in Guyana.

Uganda Cricket Appoints Abhay Sharma as Head Coach for Men's National TeamThe Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) has appointed former Indian first-class cricketer Abhay Sharma as the head coach of the men's national team. This appointment comes as the Cricket Cranes prepare for their historic debut in the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in the United States and the West Indies from June 1.Sharma brings a wealth of coaching experience to the role, having worked with prestigious teams such as India A, India Under-19s, the Indian women's cricket team, and the Delhi Ranji Trophy team. His appointment reflects the UCA's commitment to strengthening its coaching setup with seasoned expertise.In a statement released on the UCA's official website, the association expressed confidence in Sharma's ability to lead the Cricket Cranes into a new era of success, citing his "vast knowledge and expertise." Sharma reciprocated the sentiment, affirming his dedication to contributing to the team's ambitions, which include challenging cricketing powerhouses in the upcoming World Cup.Acknowledging Uganda Cricket's impressive performances over the past year, Sharma identified areas for improvement, particularly emphasizing the need to enhance the team's fielding prowess. He believes that with focused training and dedication, the Cricket Cranes can make a significant impact on the global stage.Sharma's appointment is part of a three-year working contract, signaling a long-term vision aimed at fortifying Uganda's cricketing infrastructure and nurturing talent for sustained success. The UCA is confident that Sharma's guidance and expertise will help the Cricket Cranes reach new heights and establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in international cricket.