Cricket Uganda (CU) has announced that, after mutual discussions, Head Coach Abhay Sharma and the sport’s governing body in Uganda have agreed to part ways with immediate effect.
Coach Sharma, who took charge in April 2024 on a three-year contract, leaves the Cricket Cranes after guiding the team through historic milestones — including Uganda’s first-ever appearance at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in June 2024, a record 17-match unbeaten T20 run after the tournament, and strong performances in the ICC Challenge League B, where Uganda sits on top of the table.
During his tenure, Uganda also posted notable victories on international tours, including unbeaten runs in the 2024 South Africa Tour and the 2025 POA T20 Series, alongside memorable home and away wins that lifted the country’s cricketing profile.
UCA Chairman Jackson Kavuma said:
“Cricket Uganda extends its sincere gratitude to Coach Abhay for his service and commitment during his tenure as Head Coach of the national team. His professionalism, dedication, and passion have greatly contributed to the progress and achievements of Ugandan cricket, and his impact will always be remembered. While Coach Abhay has stepped down, he will always remain part of the Uganda Cricket family, and we look forward to engaging him in advisory roles when needed.”
Coach Abhay Sharma explained his decision:
“The main reason for stepping down is availability. I could not consistently stay in Uganda for long stretches to oversee training and development, and I felt it would be unfair to the players and the board. Uganda deserves a coach who can dedicate more time on the ground. I remain open to supporting the players in any way — my phone is always on for them. This is my second home, and I leave with a heavy heart, especially after missing qualification for another World Cup.
Beyond the results on the field, Coach Sharma’s tenure will be remembered for instilling professionalism, work ethic, and belief within the Cricket Cranes setup. His emphasis on mental toughness, game awareness, and sharper fielding standards raised the bar for the players and inspired the next generation of Ugandan cricketers. From the 56-year-old hands-on approach during training sessions to his mentorship of young talent, Sharma leaves behind a strong foundation that UCA will continue to build on in pursuit of long-term success.
