Press Release:
Newly appointed coach Abhay Sharma has already expressed his delight after working with the Cricket Cranes, and he is hopeful that the senior men’s national cricket team’s final camp in Sri Lanka will provide him with valuable insight into the side’s combination ahead of the World Cup.
The Cricket Cranes depart for Colombo this evening and will then proceed to the Coastal City of Galle – a 145 km journey – for a 15-day tour that extends until May 11th, serving as their ultimate training camp.
Coach Sharma has hit the ground running with three training sessions in his first week in Uganda, aiming to establish the right rhythm within the setup.
“Everyone has been welcoming, and I already feel like this is my second home,” remarked the 54-year-old Indian coach. “I am excited about the prospects during the Tour of Sri Lanka. It will afford me the opportunity to closely assess the team on an individual basis as well as the technical staff. For me, positions such as head coach are merely titles; we are all individuals striving for success of the team. We will rub off each other’s expertise.”
Competitive Edge
The former first-class cricketer continued; “My focus is on finding the optimal team combination and enhancing our fielding skills. With such a squad, I believe we have a competitive edge in that department and must capitalise on every opportunity. Fitness, skills for the shorter format, and game awareness are paramount on our agenda for this tour.”
The Cricket Cranes are scheduled for six Twenty20 matches, with three against Sri Lanka ‘A’, two against Sri Lanka Army, and one against Sri Lanka Police, to be held at three International Cricket Council (ICC) accredited grounds: Galle International Stadium, Army Ground in Panagoda, and the iconic R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
This tour will undoubtedly test the Ugandan outfit, challenging not only their skill set but also their mental fortitude. They are set to encounter several renowned Sri Lankan internationals, such as the experienced Thisara Perera, Seekuge Prassana, Asela Gunaratne, and Dinesh Chandimal in matches against Sri Lanka Army. In the encounter with Sri Lanka Police, the immensely talented quartet of Kusal Janith Perera, Nuwan Pradeep, Asela Bandara, and Chamara Silva are expected to feature in the one-off fixture at the R. Premadasa in Colombo.
Cricket Cranes Contingent To Sri Lanka - The Players
Simon Sessazi, Roger Mukasa, Cosmas Kyewuta, DineshKumar Maganlal Nakrani, Fred Achelam, Kenneth Waiswa, Alpesh Ravilal Ramjani, Frank Nsubuga, Brian Mark Masaba (Captain), Henry Ssenyondo, Bilal Hassun, Robinson Obuya, Riazat Ali Shah, Cyrus Nshekanabo Kakuru, Juma Miyaji, Ronak Patel Bharatbhai
The Officials:
Abhay Sharma (Coach), Jackson Ogwang (Assistant Coach), Craig Williams (Batting Consultant), Steven Grace Tusiime (Analyst), Charles Waiswa (Team Manager)
The Tour Itinerary
Date Activity
April 26: Uganda Team Arrival - Road Trip Colombo to Galle
April 27: Rest/Practice
April 28: 1st T20: vs. Sri Lanka A, Galle
April 29: Rest/Practice
April 30: 2nd T20: vs. Sri Lanka A, Galle
May 1: Rest/Practice
May 2: Rest/Practice
May 3: 3rd T20: vs. Sri Lanka A, Galle
May 4: Rest/Practice
May 5: 4th T20: vs. Sri Lanka Army, Panagoda
May 6: Rest/Practice
May 7: 5th T20: vs. Sri Lanka Army, Panagoda
May 8: Rest/Practice
May 9: Rest/Practice
May 10: 6th T20: vs. Sri Lanka Police, R. Premadasa
May 11: Uganda Team Departure
For media inquiries, please contact:
Innocent Ndawula - Cricket Cranes Media Manager
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone Number: +256782507606
About The Cricket Cranes: It is the senior men’s national cricket team for Uganda known for its dedication to excellence and commitment to the sport. With a rich history and a passionate fan base, the Cricket Cranes strive for success on and off the field. The Cricket Cranes are currently preparing for the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA from June 4th - 30th.
