Newly appointed coach Abhay Sharma is brimming with enthusiasm as he dives into his role with the Uganda men’s national cricket team, Cricket Cranes. With the senior men’s national cricket team gearing up for the T20 World Cup, Sharma sees the team’s final camp in Sri Lanka as a golden opportunity to gain crucial insights into their dynamics and potential strategies.
Tonight, the Cricket Cranes set off for Colombo, marking the beginning of their journey. From there, they will make their way to the Coastal City of Galle, covering a distance of 145 km, where they will spend the next 15 days in intensive training until May 11th.
Since his arrival in Uganda, Coach Sharma has been hard at work, organizing three rigorous training sessions in his first week. His aim is to establish a strong rhythm and cohesion within the team, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges ahead on the world stage.
“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
