Kampala, November 28 – Cricket Uganda (CU) is delighted to announce that national team fast bowler Juma Miyaji has been drafted into the Gulf Giants franchise for Season Four of the DP World International League T20 (ILT20), scheduled to bowl off on December 2, 2025, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Miyaji touched down in the UAE on Wednesday, November 26.
Miyaji, 22, becomes the first Ugandan ever selected for an ILT20 franchise, joining a star-studded Gulf Giants dressing room featuring global names such as Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus, Zimbabwean paceman Blessing Muzarabani, Afghanistan star Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and England internationals Moeen Ali and Liam Dawson.
This opportunity forms part of a new developmental pathway established between ILT20 Sports Management, DP World, and Africa’s ICC Associate Members. Under this initiative, seven African players—one from each member nation—were nominated, with all travel, accommodation, internal transport, meals, and allowances fully catered for by the ILT20 organisers.
The support of former Uganda cricket boss Bashir Ansasiira – the chairman of ILT20 Africa, who works hand in hand with Mubashshir Usmani, ICC Associate Member Director and Chair of the ICC Development Committee, played a key role in facilitating Miyaji’s breakthrough inclusion in the Gulf Giants setup.
Cricket Uganda can also confirm that Miyaji has already settled into Dubai and is comfortably blending into the Gulf Giants camp, having completed two full training sessions under the franchise’s coaching staff.
UCA Chairman Jackson Kavuma hailed the moment as historic.
Juma is disciplined, hardworking and gifted. If he applies himself well in UAE, he will open doors not only for himself but for other Ugandan and African players. Our relationship with the ILT20 leadership has been excellent, and we are grateful that Uganda continues to be recognised in elite cricket conversations.
Widely regarded as the poster boy of Ugandan cricket, Miyaji continues to set benchmarks for the sport. He is the only Ugandan to feature at both the ICC U-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup (2022) and the senior ICC Men’s T20 World Cup (2024) – a rare double underscoring his rapid rise. He also boasts a perfect captaincy record, having led Uganda to an unbeaten run during the Pearl of Africa Series in July 2025.
A proud Miyaji, who already has two training sessions with the Gulf Giants under his belt, described the call-up as another step in his remarkable rise.
It’s a huge honour to represent Uganda in a global franchise league. I want to learn, bowl hard in the nets, fight for a place on the playing squad and show that Ugandan players can compete. Sharing a dressing room with big names will motivate me to aim higher.
Miyaji joins fellow African nominees, including Katlo Piet (Botswana), Samuel Conteh (Sierra Leone), Martin Akayezu (Rwanda), Francis Mutua (Kenya), Peter Aho (Nigeria), and Mohammed Issa (Tanzania).
A total of 30 round-robin matches will be played across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
MIYAJI AT A GLANCE
Full Name: Juma Miyaji
Nickname(s): Nago Express/Junior Gaga
Date of Birth: April 5, 2003
Playing Role: Bowler
Batting Style: Right-hand bat
Bowling Style: Right-arm medium fast
Jersey No: 57
National Team Debut: May 2022 (Castle Lite Series)
Cricketing Idol: Jofra Archer of England
Dream Destination: London, England
GULF GIANTS – PROVISIONAL FIXTURES (ILT20 SEASON 4):
Dec 4: vs. MI Emirates – Dubai
Dec 6: vs. Dubai Capitals – Dubai
Dec 8: vs. Desert Vipers – Dubai
Dec 10: vs. Sharjah Warriors – Dubai
Dec 12: vs. Desert Vipers – Dubai
Dec 15: vs. Sharjah Warriors – Sharjah
Dec 18: vs. Abu Dhabi Knight Riders – Abu Dhabi
Dec 21: vs. Dubai Capitals – Sharjah
Dec 23: vs. MI Emirates – Abu Dhabi
Dec 28: vs. Abu Dhabi Knight Riders – Dubai
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