The Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) on Tuesday named former Indian first-class cricketer Abhay Sharma as the new head coach of the men’s national team in the run-up to the T20 World Cup 2024.

The Cricket Cranes have booked their place in the competition for the first time and will be among 20 teams at the tournament being jointly hosted by the United States and the West Indies from June 1.

The UCA announced Sharma’s appointment on a three-year working contract in a statement on its website, saying he brought a “wealth of knowledge and expertise to lead the Cricket Cranes into their next chapter of success”.

“Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Abhay Sharma as the new head coach of the senior men’s national team – The Cricket Cranes after both parties agreed to a three-year working contract,” the statement read.

“With a distinguished career and vast coaching experience, Sharma brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to lead the Cricket Cranes into their next chapter of success.”

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Sharma has previous coaching stints with India A and India Under-19s, as well as the Indian women’s cricket team and the Delhi Ranji Trophy team, the UCA said.

“I am here to contribute to the team’s aspirations, which include defeating the top sides in the world in the upcoming World Cup,” the 54-year-old Sharma said in the statement.

“While Uganda Cricket has performed well in the last 12 months, there are areas, particularly fielding, where we need to improve.”

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