Cricket coach Abhay Sharma names squad for ICC Cricket Challenge League B

The Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) has unveiled a 14-player squad set to represent the nation at the second round of the ICC Cricket Challenge League B, scheduled to take place from February 7 to 17, 2025, in Hong Kong.

The team will be led by captain Riazat Ali Shah, with a mix of experienced players and rising stars aiming to continue Uganda’s strong performance in the tournament.

The squad includes Robinson Obuya, Shrideep Mangela, Raghav Dhawan, Joseph Baguma, Cyrus Kakuru, Kenneth Waiswa, Juma Miyaji, Dinesh Nakrani, Alpesh Ramjan, Cosmas Kyewuta, Frank Nsubuga, Fred Achelam, and Henry Ssenyondo. Pace bowler Bilal Hassan and Ronald Lutaaya have been named as reserves, while batsmen Simon Ssesazi and Roger Mukasa were once again overlooked by head coach Abhay Sharma.

Uganda enters the tournament on a high note, having won the first round of the Challenge League B in Kampala in November 2024. The team finished at the top of the table with 9 points, ahead of Italy and Hong Kong, who each secured 7 points. Bahrain followed in fourth place with 5 points, while Tanzania and Singapore rounded out the standings with a point each.

The ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League is a crucial part of the qualification process for the 2027 Cricket World Cup. This edition marks the second iteration of the tournament, which provides Associate nations with a pathway to compete on cricket’s biggest stage. Uganda’s strong start in the first round has positioned them as one of the favorites to advance further in the qualification process.

With a blend of seasoned campaigners and emerging talent, Uganda will aim to build on their earlier success and solidify their standing in the competition. The team’s performance in Hong Kong will be closely watched as they continue their quest to secure a spot in the 2027 Cricket World Cup.