Uganda appoints Indian coach Abhay Sharma ahead of ICC T20 World Cup

Kampala: The Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) has announced the appointment of new head coach Abhay Sharma.

Sharma, who is from India and signed a three-year contract, will be in charge of the national team at the International Cricket Council (ICC) T20 Men's World Cup to take place in West Indies and the United States from June 1-29th, 2024.

The 54-year-old will replace South African Laurence Mahatlane who left last year and will work with Jackson Ogwang who has been the interim coach and qualified the team for the World Cup.

"I am so happy to be here and very prepared to work together with the team so that we are able to register results. The World Cup is around the corner and there is a lot we have to do together in order to prepare well," added Sharma.

Sharma, who has held several coaching positions in India, was also in charge of India's U-19 team when they defeated England and Bangladesh in the Tri-Series.

The new coach also made it clear that there will be no pressure doing this job because he is used to handling cricket since it's his passion.

"I am aware that expectations will be high because it's an emerging cricket nation. But if expectation comes in there will be pressure on the players," added Sharma.

John Walusimbi, the UCA Chief Executive Officer welcomed the new coach and made it clear they are ready to give him all the support he needs.

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Coach Alert@CricketUganda unveils Abhay Sharma, an experienced Indian coach, as new gaffer on a 3-year deal.

With a distinctive background in first-class cricket & extensive coaching in the Indian set-up, Sharma is tasked to take Uganda to new heights.#WeAreCricketCranes pic.twitter.com/f7apJCu1D9

— Uganda Cricket Association (@CricketUganda) April 23, 2024 >

"Many coaches numbering 54 applied for this job, but Sharma is the worthy candidate for the job because of his experience," added Walusimbi.

Uganda Cricket Cranes are placed in Group C for the ICC T20 World Cup alongside Afghanistan, Papua New Guinea, West Indies, New Zealand. The Ugandan team will be stationed in the West Indies.