The Uganda Cricket Cranes are entering a critical phase of preparation ahead of the 2025 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final in Harare, Zimbabwe. With the squad finalized, the team will engage in an intensive residential bootcamp in Jinja from August 27 to September 7, followed by a high-profile tour of South Africa from September 12 to 18, designed to sharpen skills, test combinations, and strengthen team cohesion.
The Jinja camp will focus on one-on-one skill development, tactical training, and team bonding. Key players returning to the squad, including captain Riazat Ali Shah and left-arm spinner Henry Ssenyondo, will use this period to assert their influence after missing the Pearl of Africa T20 Series. Emerging talent such as Sumeet Verma and Gaurav Tomar will also be assessed for their potential impact on the team.
Assistant Coach Jackson Oyuku Ogwang highlighted the objectives of the bootcamp: “We will play as many games as possible, focusing on individual skills and tactical awareness. This camp allows us to evaluate the squad, finalize combinations, and integrate new players, all while building team spirit.”
Convener of Selectors Nehal Bibodi emphasized the importance of balance and depth, saying, “We have carefully considered batting, bowling, and fielding to meet T20I demands. This squad is designed to address areas identified for improvement and give us the edge in high-intensity matches ahead of Zimbabwe.”
The Cricket Cranes squad for the Jinja Bootcamp and South Africa tour includes Riazat Ali Shah (captain), Frank Nsubuga, Dinesh Nakrani Maganlal, Henry Ssenyondo, Alpesh Ramjani Ravilal, Robinson Obuya, Raghav Dhawan, Juma Miyaji, Shrideep Mangela, Cosmas Kyewuta, Sumeet Verma, Gaurav Tomar, Cyrus Kakuru, Joseph Baguma, and Innocent Mwebaze, with Bilal Hassun and Matthew Musinguzi as reserves.
During the South Africa tour, the team will face top-tier franchises Titans and Lions in high-profile matches that provide a valuable testing ground before the Africa Regional Final. The tournament in Harare, running from September 26 to October 4, 2025, will determine the top two teams that will join pre-qualified South Africa at the 2026 T20 World Cup.
With focused training, competitive fixtures, and strategic planning, the Cricket Cranes are determined to secure back-to-back World Cup qualifications, demonstrating Uganda’s growing stature in international cricket.