Brian Masaba, the all-rounder who led the Cricket Cranes in their first-ever senior ICC T20 Cricket World Cup appearance this month in Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago, has confirmed his resignation as captain.
Under Masaba’s leadership, the team secured a 3-wicket victory over Papua New Guinea but suffered defeats to co-hosts West Indies, New Zealand, and Afghanistan, finishing fourth in Group C.
Masaba announced his retirement from T20i at a team meet-up held in Lugogo today, marking the end of his five-year tenure as captain. The 32-year-old right-hand batsman, who debuted for the national team in 2009, is one of the squad’s most seasoned players. He has previously played for Aziz Damani, Nile, and Wanderers.
Reflecting on the World Cup experience, Masaba said, “Playing at the World Cup was a big learning experience for us as a team. Sharing a pitch with the best players in the world was educative for us, and we got to tap into it.”
He praised his teammates, adding, “I was impressed with the way guys stood up to the challenge. It can be intimidating facing big-name players on the big stage. The boys took on the challenge, with Juma Miyagi and Cosmas Kyewuta bowling brilliantly for us. Frank Nsubuga also stepped up at the big stage.”
Masaba revealed his decision to step down at a gathering organized by the Uganda Cricket Association to welcome the team back from the global tournament. He emphasized the need for new leadership, stating, “It’s been an honor to captain the team at any level, let alone the World Cup. The main reason is that we are going into a new cricket cycle, and I felt it’s the right time for someone new to come in and grow with the team.”
Attention now turns to the ICC Cricket Challenge League B, scheduled for November in Kampala.
