The Cricket Cranes recent feat that saw the team qualify for the T-20 World Cup 2024 signalled a new era for the sport, with Uganda set to compete in the championship for the first time in the West Indies and the USA in June.

Additionally, the women's national team, the Victoria Pearls also secured their second qualification for the Global World Qualifiers scheduled for April in Dubai, emphasising the growing prominence of women's cricket in Uganda.

Now, to ensure the two teams are not mere participants in these events and future ones, the Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) and Lyca Mobile have entered into a partnership that signals a new era in the game. The partners will offer substantial support and comprehensive development for the sport at every level; from grassroots initiatives nurturing young talent to professional leagues showcasing seasoned athletes.

The mobile virtual network operator will also play a vital role in enhancing the overall skill set and level of Uganda cricket through provision of funds and access to international coaching experts for both the women's and men’s national teams.

The partnership was officially launched during a dinner at Serena Hotel on Tuesday; attended by Lyca Group chairman Allirajah Subaskaran who flew in from London, the CEO Lyca Mobile-Uganda Vinay Choudary, the chief marketing director Vikram Lal, the state minister for sports Peter Ogwang, the state minister for ICT Joyce Ssebugwawo and that of foreign affairs Oryem Okello; as well as the UCA honorary secretary Jackson Kavuma and UCA Women’s representative Rita Tinka among other players from the two parties.

According to the UCA, this collaboration is poised to be a transformative force for cricket in Uganda, with Lyca Mobile Uganda’s support expected to have a lasting impact on the sport’s landscape.

“This partnership embodies the spirit of growth, innovation and mutual dedication to excellence. We believe that the synergies we are going to have together will propel Ugandan cricket in the right direction,” Kavuma stated.

Together the partners aspire to usher in a new era marked by unprecedented achievements, sustained growth, and the collective joy that sport brings to communities across the nation.

“We are thrilled to support UCA as we believe it is a partnership that aligns perfectly with our values and what we stand for as a company. We also intend to engage the Uganda cricket fans and fraternity as Uganda gears up for the world cup,” Subaskaran said.

Choudary welcomed the ministers and thanked them for their support and also congratulated UCA for their recent achievements in qualifying for the world cup. He also hailed the players for their commitment to the sport.

Lal said their passion for the sport is what brought them into the partnership.

“We are not only in for monetary sponsorship but we are looking at bringing in expertise and guiding players to ensure the sport continues to blossom in Uganda, so that we grow together," Lal said.

“We will also support the teams with kits and other requirements. We have access to international coaches who will be ready to help the teams to sharpen their skills so that they come to the fore-front and bring the world cup home, but we have to work hard and together to achieve that.” 

Minister Ogwang welcomed Lyca and noted that cricket remains a priority sport and that the partnership is going to enhance their advocacy for the promotion of cricket in Uganda.

“As a government, we have now agreed that we are going to have national cricket championships in all secondary schools and inter-university championships in the country to ensure we have a strong base for talent identification and for supporting the national teams,” Ogwang said.

He requested Lyca Mobile to extend their partnership to secondary and higher institutions of learning so that they can benefit from expert resources from the international coaches that they intend to bring in. He also urged the national teams to cease the opportunity and win their respective championships in order to benefit from the government’s reward and recognition scheme.

On his part Oryem called on the sports association to ensure discipline and accountability to maintain and attract more sponsorships and partners.

He noted that Ugandan sport has brought a lot of attention and positivity to the country through the different sports and ambassadors and welcomed the new partners for supporting the sport.

Lyca Mobile, which has a subscription of more than 16 million subscribers across the world owns two cricket franchises in India and Pakistan and also has another partnership with English Premier League side, West Ham FC.