New Delhi: It is a fairy tale for Uganda as the team make their debut in an ICC World Cup. The Cricket Cranes as they are better known are currently living their “dream” as they train hard in Kampala. However, it is going to be a long journey for the Cranes where the game of cricket breathes for popularity after the immense popularity of football in the country.
”Being at the world cup is a special milestone for Uganda.” says Sam Walusimbi, UG Cricket Legend who appeared at the WC stage in 1975. 🇺🇬 makes her maiden appearance at the WC this year and the team set off today for West Indies where the 2024 ICC T20 WC will take place. pic.twitter.com/wJdyBVcpcy
— Grace Joyce Kemigisa (@grace_joycekem) May 22, 2024
Moreover, Uganda is put in a very tough group from where the hopes of qualifying for the Super 8 look slim. Uganda is grouped alongside hosts West Indies and New Zealand. Besides these two sides, Afghanistan and Papua New Guinea complete the group. Naturally, the Uganda cricket team has its job cut out going ahead in the World Cup.
On the other hand, time is also a crucial factor for the Cranes who have recently appointed former first-class Indian cricketer Abhay Sharma as head coach. However, Brian Masaba, the 32-year-old captain of Uganda is optimistic that the World Cup is a huge platform for the country.
Squad Announcement! 🏏
Uganda’s top cricketers are primed for the T20 World Cup in the West Indies & USA! 🌟🏆 Let’s rally behind the Cricket Cranes as they soar to victory! 🇺🇬👏
Check the full squad
#T20WC #UgandaProud #WeAreCricketCranes pic.twitter.com/WrDCCLRitd
— Uganda Cricket Fans 🏏 🇺🇬 (@CricketFansUg) May 6, 2024
Brian Masaba hopeful for a flourish
One of the major architects behind the flourishing of the Uganda Cricket Team is their 32-year-old captain Brian Masaba. The 32-year-old has been ranked as the second-best-performing captain by the ICC. Masaba has captained in 56 matches out of which it has won 44 matches. Only Pakistani captain, Babar Azam remains ahead of Masaba in the list.
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup warm up game🏏
Namibia won the toss and elected to bowl first against Uganda. #t20worldcup #EaglesPride pic.twitter.com/lj084ev3yp
— Official Cricket Namibia (@CricketNamibia1) May 27, 2024
According to Brian, “If we can pick up a couple of wins at the World Cup… World Cup gives Uganda as a country.” Although this was the first individual appearance in the World Cup, the Cranes were part of a combined Kenyan, Tanzanian and Zambian squad to form the East African squad in the 1975 World Cup.
On the other hand, coach Abhay Sharma is full of hope, “We are going step by step….” Now, as the team makes their way to the middle, it will be interesting to see how this fairy tale story concludes.
