Cricket Cranes tour of Qatar called off

Lawrence Mahatlane will have to wait just a bit longer to coach the Cricket Cranes on an international tour after the tour of Qatar was cancelled.

"Our intended tour of Qatar next month has been cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions in Qatar. Our hosts Qatar Cricket Association informed us of the development via email that they had failed to get the necessary clearances from their government to go ahead with the tour," Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) media officer Dennis Musali said.

At the moment there has been a spike in the COVID-19 cases worldwide so countries are once again tightening restrictions.

Earlier this month UCA had called up 21 players to start preparations for the tour of Qatar. They expected to face the likes of Nepal and Malaysia but that's on the back burner as the pandemic rages on.

The Qatar tour was really supposed to sharpen the team ahead of a busy 2021 schedule.

" However, this development doesn't stop the team from training, coach Laurence Mahatlane will continue to prepare the boys for busy 2021 season," he explained.

This development although disappointing still gives Mahatlane enough time to choose his best side as opposed to the short preparation period.

Below is the squad that has been training in Lugogo.

Arnold Otwani, Saud Islam, Ronak Patel, Dinesh Nakrani, Roger Mukasa, Riazat Ali Shah, Frank Nsubuga, Brian Masaba, Frank Akankwasa, Kenneth Waiswa, Fred Achelam, Deusdedit Muhumuza, Richard Agamire, Henry Ssenyondo, Zephania Arinaitwe, David Wabwire, Simon Ssesazi, Siraje Nsubuga, Steven Wabwose, Shahzad Ukani Kamal, Trevor Bukenya.