Tikolo names Cricket Cranes Squad for T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier C in Nigeria
David GOMBE
Cricket Cranes head coach Steve Tikolo has named a 14-man squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C, scheduled for Abuja, Nigeria from October 18 to 25, 2026.
Led by captain Riazat Ali Shah and vice-captain Kenneth Waiswa, the squad combines established national-team performers with players seeking to strengthen their place in the side as Uganda pursue qualification for the Africa Regional Final.
Uganda enter the six-team competition as the highest-ranked side among the participating countries. The Cricket Cranes are ranked 21st globally in the ICC Men’s T20I rankings, ahead of Nigeria (40th), Zambia (62nd), Mozambique (81st), Lesotho (89th) and The Gambia (95th).
The top two teams at the Abuja qualifier will progress to the Africa Regional Final, keeping Uganda’s immediate objective clear: produce consistent performances across five matches and finish among the leading two sides.
Assistant coach Jackson Ogwang has emphasised continuity in the selection process, with recent displays helping guide decisions and allowing the group to continue building its understanding of one another.
TEAM UGANDA FOR ICC QUALIFIER IN ABUJA
Riazat Ali Shah (Captain), Robinson Obuya, Raghav Dhawan, Gerald Olipa, Sumeet Verma, Kenneth Waiswa (Vice-Captain), Alpesh Ramjani, Pius Oloka, Anas Baig Mirza, Charles Musemeza (Wicketkeeper), Cyrus Kakuru (Wicketkeeper), Juma Miyaji, Joseph Baguma & Enock Kasaija
UGANDA’S FIXTURES IN ABUJA
Tuesday, October 20 – 11:30 AM: Uganda vs Zambia – NCF Oval 1
Wednesday, October 21 – 11:30 AM: Lesotho vs Uganda – NCF Oval 2
Friday, October 23 – 3:50 PM:The Gambia vs Uganda – NCF Oval 2
Saturday, October 24 – 11:30 AM:Uganda vs Mozambique – NCF Oval 2
Sunday, October 25 – 3:50 PM: Nigeria vs Uganda – NCF Oval 1
Note: All times in East Africa Time (EAT). Venue: Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) Oval 1 and Oval 2, Moshood Abiola Stadium, Package B, Abuja. Qualification format: Top two teams advance to the Africa Regional Final.