Cricket Uganda has named a 14-man squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C, scheduled for October 18–25 in Abuja, Nigeria.

Captain Riazat Ali Shah and vice-captain Kenneth Waiswa will lead the Cricket Cranes as they seek to finish among the top two teams and advance to the Africa Regional Final.

Uganda will face Zambia on October 20, Lesotho on October 21, The Gambia on October 23, Mozambique on October 24 and hosts Nigeria on October 25.

Ranked 21st globally, Uganda are the highest-ranked team in the six-nation competition, ahead of Nigeria, Zambia, Mozambique, Lesotho and The Gambia.

The squad also features Pius Oloka, who returns for his second stint with the national team, wicketkeepers Cyrus Kakuru and Charles Musemeza, and top-order batter Anas Baig Mirza.

Cricket Uganda selector and Head of Pathways and High Performance Richard Okia said the selection was based on performances in recent trial matches and the team’s international assignments in 2026.

“We go as the highest-ranked team and we hope to play the highest-ranked team and hopefully we shall qualify for the Regional Final,” Okia said.

All-rounder Dinesh Nakrani and opening bowler Cosmas Kyewuta miss out due to injuries, while spinner Matthew Musinguzi is unavailable because of academic commitments.

Head coach Steve Tikolo and assistant coach Jackson Ogwang will guide the team in Abuja, with Ogwang stressing the importance of consistency and teamwork.

“Our focus is to build on the work the players have put in during the trials and tours, maintain consistency in our performances and continue growing as a unit,” Ogwang said.

“We respect every opponent, but we must concentrate on executing our plans, match by match, and give ourselves the best opportunity to qualify.”

The 14-man squad comprises 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, Cyrus Kakuru, Juma Miyaji, Joseph Baguma and Enock Kasaija.