Uganda have named a youthful Cricket Cranes squad for the ILT20 Continental Cup in Kigali, Rwanda, as they begin their title defence next month.

The tournament runs from September 1 to 13, with eight teams competing in a round-robin format. Uganda will face Malawi, Nigeria, Tanzania, Sierra Leone, Botswana, Kenya and hosts Rwanda.

Uganda are two-time champions, having won the inaugural tournament in 2023 and successfully defended the title in 2024.

Captain Riazat Ali Shah and vice-captain Kenneth Waiswa headline the 14-man squad, which also includes several emerging players who have been part of the national setup.

Convenor of selectors Nehal Bibodi says the squad was selected based on recent performances, discipline and potential.

“We have selected a little younger side, so we are looking into the future. It is a combination of the senior side with very promising young players,” Bibodi said.

Head coach Steve Tikolo says the team will use the tournament to sharpen its T20 skills ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier in Nigeria in October.

“We want to work quickly and hone our T20 skills in this short time. We want to be smart when we go to play in Kigali,” Tikolo said.

Uganda will open their campaign against Malawi on September 3 at Gahanga B Oval before facing Nigeria on September 4 and Tanzania on September 5.

The Cricket Cranes will then play Sierra Leone, Botswana, Kenya and Rwanda before the semi-finals on September 12.

The final will be played on September 13 at Gahanga Main Oval.

Uganda squad: Riazat Ali Shah (captain), Kenneth Waiswa (vice-captain), Charles Musemeza, Cyrus Kakuru, Gerald Olipa, Juma Miyaji, Cosmas Kyewuta, Enock Kasaija, Fahad Mutagana, Joseph Baguma, Matthew Musinguzi, Anas Baig, Robinson Obuya and Ronald Lutaaya.

Reserves: Robert Owili and Pius Oloka.