UCA announces squad for ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League B

By Emmanuel Sekago

The Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) has officially announced the squad that will represent Uganda in the upcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) Cricket World Cup Challenge League B. The tournament, set to take place from November 4th to 16th, 2024, will be held at the Lugogo Cricket Oval and Entebbe Oval.

This event is a crucial opportunity for Uganda as it paves the way toward qualification for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup.

Riazat Ali Shah, a dynamic all-rounder with seven years of experience on the national team, has been appointed captain for the tournament.

Shah steps into the leadership role after serving as vice-captain under former captain Brian Masaba, who led Uganda in the ICC Men’s World Cup held in the West Indies and the USA. Masaba stepped down following the event, opening the way for Shah’s elevation.

Speaking about his new role, Shah expressed confidence, saying, “It is not going to be a challenging job for me. Everyone on this team knows their role and strives to execute it. The captaincy is an additional responsibility, but we are all working toward the same goal achieving One Day International (ODI) status.”

The squad, selected by head coach Abhay Sharma in collaboration with the UCA Selectors Committee, features a blend of seasoned players and promising young talent.

Among the notable inclusions are Shrideep Mangela and Raghav Dhawan, both of whom played in Uganda’s recent series against Papua New Guinea. Pascal Murungi, a former U-19 captain, also makes a return to the national side after an impressive showing in Zimbabwe.

The ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League B is part of the qualification pathway to the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup, which will be hosted in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Uganda’s Cricket Cranes will have a final three-match warm-up series against Bahrain in Jinja before the tournament officially begins.

Uganda Cricket Cranes Squad:
Riazat Ali Shah (Captain), Fred Achelam (Wicketkeeper), Juma Miyaji, Shrideep Mangela, Frank Nsubuga, Brian Masaba, Raghav Dhawan, Cosmas Kyewuta, Robinson Obuya, Alpesh Ramjani, Pascal Murungi, Henry Ssenyondo, Dineash Nakrani and Kenneth Waiswa
Reserves: Joseph Baguma and Cyrus Kakuru.

This tournament offers Uganda a vital chance to further its ambitions on the international stage, with the ultimate goal of securing ODI status and advancing toward the 2027 World Cup.