Cricket Uganda has named a youthful Cricket Cranes squad for a build-up tour to Namibia from March 16 to 26, as Uganda’s senior men’s team begins its 2026 international season.
Uganda will play five matches on tour, including two T20 games against Namibia A and three 50-over matches. Two of the 50-over games will be against Namibia’s senior side, the Eagles, who recently represented Africa at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
The tour is part of Uganda’s preparations for a busy year. The Cricket Cranes are chasing One Day International status at the ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League B in August in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
They are also targeting qualification for the 2028 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup through the Africa Sub-Regional Qualifiers in Nigeria in October.
Uganda head into the August Challenge League B leg unbeaten on 18 points, two ahead of Italy. The team needs at least three wins to secure a top-two finish and move closer to qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup pathway.
The squad includes returning senior players Simon Ssesazi, Uganda’s leading T20I run-scorer, Kenneth Waiswa, and experienced pacer Bilal Hassun.
Three players have earned senior debuts. Charles Musemeza has been consistent with both bat and gloves over the past two seasons.
Anas Baig finished as the leading run-scorer in the domestic league last season and has maintained his form in recent competitions. He is the son of former Cricket Cranes captain Akbar Baig.
Gerald Olipa, captain of the Baby Cricket Cranes, was the Most Valuable Player in the Waterfalls Elite League after scoring 228 runs, including three half-centuries. He follows his elder brother Rogers Olipa, who has represented Uganda at U-19 and senior level.
Riazat Ali Shah will captain the side. Other squad members are Robinson Obuya, Anas Mirza Mirza Baig, Cyrus Kakuru, Juma Miyaji, Cosmas Kyewuta, Henry Ssenyondo, Joseph Baguma and Mathew Musinguzi.
The tour itinerary starts with T20 matches against Namibia A on March 18 and 19, followed by 50-over matches on March 21 and 23 against Namibia, and a final 50-over game against Namibia A on March 25.
Cricket Cranes Squad – Tour to Namibia
Riazat Ali Shah (Captain), Robinson Obuya, Simon Ssesazi, Anas Mirza Mirza Baig, Kenneth Waiswa, Cyrus Kakuru, Charles Musemeza, Juma Miyaji, Cosmas Kyewuta, Bilal Hassun, Henry Ssenyondo, Joseph Baguma, Mathew Musinguzi, Gerald Olipa
