Abhay Sharma has been appointed as the head coach for the Uganda men’s cricket team, marking a significant milestone as Uganda prepares for its debut appearance at the T20 World Cup in June. This historic moment signals Uganda’s first entry into a senior men’s World Cup in any format, underscoring the country’s growing presence in international cricket.
The decision to appoint Sharma was based on his strong leadership qualities and impressive coaching credentials, as highlighted by Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) secretary Jackson Kavuma. “We selected Abhay Sharma for his strong leadership qualities and impressive track record of success at professional and international levels,” Kavuma stated in a press release. “His coaching stints with notable teams such as the Delhi Ranji Team, Rest of India, and India A & B in the Deodhar Trophy demonstrate his deep understanding of the game and ability to nurture players.”
Sharma brings a wealth of coaching experience to the role, having previously worked with prominent teams such as the Delhi Ranji Team, Rest of India, and various Indian national squads, including the senior men’s and women’s teams. Expressing gratitude for the opportunity, Sharma expressed his commitment to Uganda’s aspirations, including a strong showing at the upcoming World Cup. “I am very grateful to UCA for this opportunity to work with a bunch of talented national cricketers,” Sharma remarked. “I am here to contribute to the team’s aspirations, which include defeating the top sides in the world in the upcoming World Cup.”
Sharma outlined his plans to focus on improving fielding, emphasizing the importance of enhancing game awareness and mental fortitude within the team. “While Uganda Cricket has performed well in the last 12 months, there are areas, particularly fielding, where we need to improve,” Sharma explained. “With enhanced game awareness and mental fortitude, we can compete with the world’s best teams on any given day.”
Uganda all-rounder Alpesh Ramjani hailed Sharma’s experience as invaluable for the team’s growth and individual player development, expressing confidence in Sharma’s techniques and expertise. “His experience is a fortune for us. It is definitely going to help us in the World Cup, as well as for the development of the players individually,” Ramjani affirmed.
Uganda finds itself placed in Group C at the T20 World Cup, alongside formidable opponents like Afghanistan, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and West Indies. The team’s campaign kicks off on June 4 against Afghanistan in Guyana.
Sharma’s appointment symbolizes Uganda Cricket’s commitment to raising its standards and performance on the global stage. With a focus on improving fielding and overall team competitiveness, Uganda’s participation in the T20 World Cup presents an opportunity for the team to showcase its talent and make a mark on the international cricketing landscape.
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