The Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) announced on Tuesday, April 23, the appointment of Abhay Sharma, a former Indian first-class cricketer, as the new head coach of the men’s national team. This decision comes in preparation for Uganda’s debut in the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup, slated to occur in the West Indies and the USA starting June 1, 2024.
Uganda secured their spot in the tournament after defeating Rwanda in the final matches of the Africa leg of the World Cup qualifiers, joining Namibia as the two African teams to advance to the International Cricket Council (ICC) event. With 18 other teams, they will vie for victory in the month-long global competition.
Sharma’s appointment, sealed with a three-year contract by the UCA, aims to elevate Uganda’s cricket to new heights through his extensive coaching expertise. Renowned for his coaching stints with various Indian teams such as India A, India Under-19s, and several Ranji Trophy teams including Delhi and Himachal Pradesh, Sharma brings a wealth of knowledge to his new role. Additionally, he served as the fielding coach for the Indian Women’s National Cricket Team in 2021.
Coach Alert 🏏@CricketUganda unveils Abhay Sharma, an experienced Indian coach, as new gaffer on a 3-year deal.
— Uganda Cricket Association (@CricketUganda) April 23, 2024
With a distinctive background in first-class cricket & extensive coaching in the Indian set-up, Sharma is tasked to take Uganda to new heights.#WeAreCricketCranes pic.twitter.com/f7apJCu1D9
I am here to contribute to the team’s aspirations, says Abhay Sharma
In his playing days, Sharma represented Delhi, Railways, and Rajasthan, boasting an illustrious career spanning 89 first-class matches and 40 List-A matches. Notably, he contributed to Delhi’s Ranji Trophy triumph in 1988-89 and captained Railways to victory in 2001-02.
Abhay Sharma said: “I am here to contribute to the team’s aspirations, which include defeating the top sides in the world in the upcoming World Cup. While Uganda Cricket has performed well in the last 12 months, there are areas, particularly fielding, where we need to improve.”
With Sharma leading the helm, Uganda sets its sights on a commendable performance in their inaugural World Cup campaign. Placed in Group C alongside Papua New Guinea, Afghanistan, West Indies, and New Zealand, Uganda kicks off their journey against Afghanistan on June 3 at the Providence Stadium in Guyana.
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