Cricket Cranes Optimistic as 14-Man Squad Targets T20 World Cup Qualifier Progress

Uganda Cricket Cranes coaches Steven Tikolo and Jackson Ogwanga, alongside Cricket Uganda Selector and Head of Pathways and High Performance Richard Okia, have expressed optimism about the 14-man squad selected to represent Uganda at the ICC Men’s T20 Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C in Abuja, Nigeria.

Uganda will be aiming to finish among the top two teams to secure qualification for the Africa Regional Final and keep their hopes of reaching the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup alive.

Speaking about the squad selection and preparations, Ogwanga emphasised the importance of consistency, teamwork and executing the team’s plans throughout the tournament.

“Our focus is to build on the work the players have put in during the trials and tours, maintain consistency in our performances and continue growing as a unit. We respect every opponent, but we must concentrate on executing our plans, match by match, and give ourselves the best opportunity to qualify,” Ogwanga said.

Cricket Uganda Selector and Head of Pathways and High Performance Richard Okia said the selection was based on performances in trial matches over recent months, alongside assessments from the team’s international assignments in Windhoek, Mumbai, Dar es Salaam and Kigali during 2026.

According to Okia, the selection process was designed to reward good form while maintaining the continuity required to build strong combinations and team cohesion ahead of the high-stakes qualification campaign.

“We go as the highest-ranked team, and we hope to play like the highest-ranked team. Hopefully, we shall qualify for the Regional Final,” Okia said.

Riazat Ali Shah will continue as captain, with Kenneth Waiswa serving as vice-captain. The squad combines established national-team performers with players looking to strengthen their positions in the side as Uganda targets a top-two finish.

Uganda heads into the qualifiers as the highest-ranked team among the six participants, sitting 21st in the ICC men’s T20 rankings. Hosts Nigeria are the second-highest-ranked side at 40th, followed by Zambia in 62nd, Mozambique in 81st, Lesotho in 89th, while The Gambia are the lowest-ranked team in the competition.

One of the notable inclusions is Pius Oloka, who returns to the squad for the first time in more than three years. He made his first appearance for Uganda in July 2023 during the Castle Lite Series against Namibia in Windhoek.

Meanwhile, all-rounder Dinesh Nakrani and opening bowler Cosmas Kyewuta are still undergoing rehabilitation, while Matthew Musinguzi is unavailable due to academic commitments.

TEAM UGANDA FOR ICC QUALIFIER IN ABUJA

Riazat Ali Shah (Captain), Robinson Obuya, Raghav Dhawan, Gerald Olipa, Sumeet Verma, Kenneth Waiswa (Vice-Captain), Alpesh Ramjani, Pius Oloka, Anas Baig Mirza, Charles Musemeza (Wicketkeeper), Cyrus Kakuru (Wicketkeeper), Juma Miyaji, Joseph Baguma and Enock Kasaija.

UGANDA’S FIXTURES IN ABUJA

Tuesday, October 20 — 11:30 AM
Uganda vs Zambia — NCF Oval 1

Wednesday, October 21 — 11:30 AM
Lesotho vs Uganda — NCF Oval 2

Friday, October 23 — 3:50 PM
The Gambia vs Uganda — NCF Oval 2

Saturday, October 24 — 11:30 AM
Uganda vs Mozambique — NCF Oval 2

Sunday, October 25 — 3:50 PM
Nigeria vs Uganda — NCF Oval 1