Brian Masaba

T20 World Cup: Indian-origin Ronak Patel included in Uganda’s 15-man squad for historic ICC T20 World Cup | Cricket News

Danijones6 months ago03 mins

NEW DELHI: Brian Masaba has been named the captain of Uganda‘s 15-player squad for their inaugural appearance at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, with Indian-origin Ronak Patel also making the cut.The Cricket Cranes will compete in Group C alongside West Indies, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Afghanistan after an impressive performance in the qualifying tournament, where they defeated Zimbabwe and other African teams. Riazat Ali Shah will serve as Masaba’s deputy, and the team features several experienced players, including 43-year-old Frank Nsubuga, who will be among the oldest participants in the tournament. Nsubuga’s selection is a testament to his lifelong commitment to cricket, having first represented Uganda in ICC events as a 17-year-old in the 1997 ICC Trophy. In 2022, he made headlines with a spectacular catch near the boundary in a Cricket World Cup Challenge League match against Kenya. The squad also includes spin-bowling all-rounder Alpesh Ramjani, who was nominated for the 2023 ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year. Ramjani claimed the most T20I wickets in men’s cricket last year, taking 55 wickets at an economy rate of under five runs per over. Another left-arm orthodox spinner, Henry Ssenyondo, also had a strong 2023, claiming 49 wickets during the same period. Riazat Ali Shah and Dinesh Nakrani are expected to provide firepower with the bat, while young talent Juma Miyaji brings U19 World Cup experience to the team, having played in the 2022 event in the West Indies.Although this is Uganda’s first appearance in a senior men’s World Cup, the country was represented in the 1975 Cricket World Cup through the now-defunct East Africa team, with Samuel Walusimbi being the sole Ugandan player in the squad, featuring in three matches.Uganda will begin their T20 World Cup campaign on June 3 against Afghanistan in Guyana.Uganda squad: Brian Masaba (c), Simon Ssesazi, Roger Mukasa, Cosmas Kyewuta, Dinesh Nakrani, Fred Achelam, Kenneth Waiswa, Alpesh Ramjani, Frank Nsubuga, Henry Ssenyondo, Bilal Hassun, Robinson Obuya, Riazat Ali Shah (vc), Juma Miyaji, Ronak Patel.Travelling Reserves: Innocent Mwebaze, Ronald Lutaaya(Inputs from agencies)

Uganda’s Frank Nsubuga set to become oldest player at this year’s T20 World Cup | Cricket News

Danijones6 months ago02 mins

NEW DELHI: Ugandan off-spinner Frank Nsubuga is poised to etch his name in cricketing history as the oldest player to grace the T20 World Cup stage, at a remarkable 43 years of age.The Uganda Cricket Association made headlines on Monday by unveiling their 15-member squad for the prestigious tournament, marking Uganda’s debut in the main round of the competition. Brian Masaba assumes the leadership mantle for the squad, with Riazat Ali Shah appointed as his deputy.Uganda’s journey to the T20 World Cup has been a tale of perseverance and triumph, culminating in their commendable second-place finish in the Africa Qualifiers Regional Final, securing their rightful place among cricketing elites on the global stage.Their campaign kicks off on June 3 in Guyana, where they will lock horns with Afghanistan in a Group C encounter. Joining them in this group are formidable opponents like New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and the host nation, West Indies.This daunting challenge presents an opportunity for Uganda to showcase their talent and make a mark in the cricketing fraternity, embodying the spirit of resilience and determination that defines their journey to the T20 World Cup.Uganda squad: Brian Masaba (c), Riazat Ali Shah (vc), Kenneth Waiswa, Dinesh Nakrani, Frank Nsubuga, Ronak Patel, Roger Mukasa, Cosmas Kyewuta, Bilal Hassun, Fred Achelam, Robinson Obuya, Simon Ssesazi, Henry Ssenyondo, Alpesh Ramjani and Juma Miyaji.Reserve players: Ronald Lutaaya and Innocent Mwebaze.(With PTI inputs)