PRESS RELEASE
With a bumper international schedule looming, the Cricket Cranes are embarking on two vigorous build-up tours in Qatar and India from February 9th to 26th February 2020 to polish their skills and get some priceless match exposure against reputable franchises.
Interim coach Davis Turinawe will use this tour to prepare the side for the Africa T20 Cup slated for March 20th to 28th in Nairobi, Kenya as well as the ICC T20 World Cup Qualifiers slated for 25th April to 4th May 2020 at a venue to be confirmed later. Uganda is also slated to host the second leg of the ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League B slated in July/August 2020, in Kampala.
The Cricket Cranes fly out to Doha on Sunday, February 9th to play three T20 games and two 50-over matches. The team will proceed to Saphale, Mumbai for two 40-over matches before they head to Sanjay Farm’s Param Veer Cricket Academy in Chikhli, South Gujarat for four more games before returning home on 26th February 2020.
The three T20 games in Qatar have been approved as Twenty20 Internationals by ICC and this gives the team an opportunity to improve on its current 35th place in world rankings. There will be 14 players on the Qatar Tour with Deus Muhumuza making a return to the side after missing out on the successful campaign at the first leg of the ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League B in Muscat, Oman last December. Ten youngsters have been given an opportunity at the senior level with the India leg of the tour having 16 players.
This is the second time that the Cricket Cranes will be visiting Qatar as the two emerging nations continue their Bilateral Series and partnership to develop the game in
their respective countries. Qatar, who are also competing in the Cricket World Cup Challenge League A will use this tour to fine-tune their team ahead of the second round of the league that is also a pathway to the 2023 Cricket World Cup in India.
Turinawe will be assisted by Jackson Ogwang. Brian Mark Masaba will captain the side with Arnold Otwani continuing in his vice-captaincy role. The delegation will be led by Uganda Cricket Association Chairman Bashir Badu Ansasiira together with the CEO Martin Ondeko, for Qatar and India respectively who will be looking to tap into more partnerships with other franchises and set-ups, on what will be a working tour for them.
We would like to thank the India High Commission for the issue of gratis visa for the entire contingent traveling and the Indian Association for their financial support towards the team.
TEAM TO QATAR: 1. Brian Mark Masaba (captain) 2. Arnold Otwani (vice-captain) 3. Roger Mukasa 4. Charles Waiswa 5. Kenneth Waiswa 6. Saud Islam 7. Henry Ssenyondo 8. Fred Achelam 9. Frank Nsubuga 10. Richard Agamire 11. Deus Muhumuza 12. Trevor Bukenya 13. Zephaniah Arinaitwe 14. Frank Akankwasa.
TEAM TO INDIA: 1. Brian Masaba (captain) 2. Arnold Otwani (vice-captain) 3. Roger Mukasa 4. Zephania Arinaitwe 5. Charles Waiswa 6. Kenneth Waiswa 7. Richard Agamire 8. Trevor Bukenya 9. Frank Akankwasa 10. Rogers Olipa 11. Steven Wabwose 12. Robinson Obuya 13. Cyrus Kakuru 14. Gerald Mubiru 15. Calvin Watuwa 16. Jonathan Kizza.
TEAM OFFICIALS: 1. Bashir Badu Ansasiira (UCA Chairman) 2. Martin Ondeko (UCA CEO) 3. Mr. Jackson Kavuma (Team Manager) 4. Davis Turinawe (Interim Coach) 5. Jackson Ogwang (Assistant Coach) 6. Alvin Bagaya Mboinjana (Team Analyst) 7. Habiba Kulusumu Anguyo (Physiotherapist), 8. Innocent Ndawula (Media Manager)
CRICKET CRANES ITINERARY
DOHA LEG
Feb 9: Team Travels To Qatar
Feb 10: Arrival in Doha
Feb 11: 1st Match (50 overs)
Feb 12: 2nd Match
Feb 13: Rest Day
Feb 14: 3rd & 4th Match
Feb 15: 5th Match (50 overs)
MUMBAI LEG
Feb 16: Travel to India
Feb 17: Arrival in Mumbai
Feb 18: 1st Match (40-overs)
Feb 19: 2nd Match (40 overs)
SANJAY FARM LEG
Feb 20: Travel to Sanjay Farm
Feb 21: 1st game (40 overs)
Feb 22: 2nd game (40 overs)
Feb 23: Rest Day (CSR Work)
Feb 24: 3rd game (40 overs)
Feb 25: 4th game (40 overs)
Feb 26: Team returns to Uganda