Cricket Uganda named a 14-man Cricket Cranes squad on Thursday for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C in Abuja, Nigeria.
The tournament runs from October 18 to 25 with Uganda facing Zambia, Lesotho, The Gambia, Mozambique and Nigeria in a six-team group.
Captain Riazat Ali Shah and vice-captain Kenneth Waiswa lead the side that enters as the highest-ranked team at 21st globally.
Nigeria sits 40th while Zambia, Mozambique, Lesotho and The Gambia occupy the next four ranking positions.
The top two teams advance to the Africa Regional Final keeping Uganda's objective clear across five matches.
Selector Richard Okia said selection rewarded form from trial matches and international assignments in Windhoek, Mumbai, Dar es Salaam and Kigali.
We go as the highest-ranked team and we hope to play the highest-ranked team and hopefully we shall qualify for the Regional Final, Okia said.
Pius Oloka returns for a second stint after his 2023 debut while Cyrus Kakuru earns another wicketkeeping opportunity.
Anas Baig Mirza comes back after the Mumbai Tour and ILT20 Continent Cup in Kigali.
Charles Musemeza and Gerald Olipa retain their places with Musemeza and Kakuru providing two wicketkeeping options.
Dinesh Nakrani and Cosmas Kyewuta miss out through injury while Matthew Musinguzi is unavailable due to academic obligations.
Their absence removes all-round and new-ball options Uganda must cover in Abuja.
Squad for Abuja Qualifier
- Riazat Ali Shah (captain)
- Kenneth Waiswa (vice-captain)
- Pius Oloka
- Cyrus Kakuru
- Anas Baig Mirza
- Charles Musemeza
- Gerald Olipa
- Seven other selected players
Source: Uganda Cricket
