The Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) over the weekend won the Uganda Sports Press Association (USPA) “Federation of the Year 2022” award during the latter’s awards gala held at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala.
The award was given to Uganda Cricket Association because the local cricket governing body registered notable achievements in 2022, on and off the oval.
Last year, the senior men’s team, Cricket Cranes enjoyed success at continental level as they won the East African Trophy in Rwanda as well as the Africa Cup T20 in South Africa. The side also participated in the ICC T20 World Cup Qualifiers held in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe where they finished fifth. The team also took part in the two legs of the World Cricket Challenge League B including including one of the events they hosted in Kampala.
For the U-19 boys national team also known as Baby Cricket Cranes, the side made a remarkable comeback to the global stage in the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2022 event held in the West Indies. They also secured the ICC Digital Fan Engagement Africa Region award following an outstanding innovative use of digital platforms, campaigns and technology to drive engagement with fans and the wider community.
For women’s cricket, the women’s senior team, Victoria Pearls stood out during the T20 Bilateral Series against Nepal. They also competed in the Capricorn Series in Namibia but couldn’t secure victory as Zimbabwe reigned supreme. The team however won the Women’s T20I Tournament against Kenya in December.
The Baby Victoria Pearls (U-19 girls team) were also in the mix in 2022 and their biggest show was at the U-19 World Cup qualifiers held in Botswana in September. Albeit failing to secure a ticket to the global meet, the team put up a good show.
Meanwhile, at individual level, Janet Mbabazi was named female cricket player of the year for 2022 whilst Riazat Ali Shah took the male’s accolade. Rita Musamali was named female cricket player of the year for 2021 while Dinesh Nakrani was named male cricket player of the year for the same year.
At administrative level, the federation leaders steered the sport towards the right direction and the fruits of their labour were reflected in the performances of the national teams and it’s the reason why cricket is now categorized as a priority sport by government.
The USPA award is a well-deserved recognition of Uganda Cricket Association’s achievements and we should expect to see them continue to inspire and engage people in sport for many years to come. Congratulations to all involved!
