The Flag Off. The Baby Cricket Cranes were officially flagged off by Acting NCS Assistant General Secretary Technical Sarah Chelangat at Lugogo Cricket Oval. PHOTO/UCA MEDIA – DON MUGABI
Mission Naija. As the Baby Cricket Cranes prepare to take on Africa’s best, their journey to Nigeria symbolizes not just a quest for World Cup qualification but also the growth of Uganda’s cricketing future. With a mix of experienced young talents and determined newcomers, the team carries the hopes of a cricket-loving nation eager to see its rising stars shine on the global stage.
Kampala, Uganda | 24 March 2025. Uganda’s U-19 national cricket team, the Baby Cricket Cranes, is set to embark on a crucial campaign in Nigeria as they seek a fourth appearance at the ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup. The 14-man squad will depart on Tuesday, 25 March, for the ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup Africa Qualifier, which will run from 28 March to 6 April 2025 in Lagos, Nigeria.
Uganda has previously qualified for the U-19 Cricket World Cup three times (2004, 2006, and 2022), with their best finish coming in 2022 after defeating Scotland in the 13th-place playoff. The Baby Cricket Cranes have also won the ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup Africa Qualifier twice, in 2009 and 2021, and finished as runners-up on four occasions.
This year’s qualifiers will feature six teams—hosts Nigeria, Namibia, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Uganda, and Tanzania—competing for a single ticket to the 2026 ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia. Matches will be held at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) Cricket Oval and the University of Lagos Cricket Oval.
Uganda will begin their campaign against Tanzania on 29 March, followed by fixtures against Kenya (30 March), Sierra Leone (1 April), Namibia (2 April), and Nigeria (6 April).
Coach’s Optimism
Head Coach Isaneez Emmanuel expressed confidence in his squad, emphasizing the team’s preparation and determination:
“We have worked with a talented group of young men from across the regions of Uganda, refining their skills and building team cohesion. After a rigorous selection process, we have narrowed it down to a 14-man squad with two reserves. The team has bonded well and undergone holistic development with immense support from Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) and other stakeholders. We believe in their potential, and we are confident they will rise to the occasion and qualify for the Cricket World Cup.”
Uganda U-19 Squad:
Gerald Olipa, Christopher Kidega, Jonathan Nyiiro, Robert Owili, Conrad Lubwama, Peter Ochen, Jordan Okecho, Devansh Patel, Abraiz Mir Ali, Musa Majid, Gurjivan Singh, Ali Baliddawa, Abdul, Aziz Tandia, Richard Sohera
Technical Team: Emmanuel Isaneez (Head Coach), Robinson Turinawe (Assistant Coach), Habiba Kulthum Anguyo (Physiotherapist), Richard Okia (Analyst/Selector), Sylvester Rokani (Team Manager) & Denis Arthur Musali (Head of Delegation).
Uganda U-19 Fixtures – ICC U-19 Africa Division 1 Qualifier
- March 29, 2025: Uganda U-19 vs Tanzania U-19
- March 30, 2025: Uganda U-19 vs Kenya U-19
- April 1, 2025: Uganda U-19 vs Sierra Leone U-19
- April 2, 2025: Uganda U-19 vs Namibia U-19
- April 6, 2025: Uganda U-19 vs Nigeria U-19
For media inquiries, interviews, or additional information, please contact:
Communications Department
Email: media@ugandacricket.com