T20 World Cup 2024: Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan greeted debutants Uganda with a heartfelt message during the toss in Georgetown. Captain Brian Masaba expressed his delight at participating in the men’s T20 World Cup for the first time.
Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan welcomed debutants Uganda to the men’s T20 World Cup with heartfelt remarks during the toss ahead of their Group C match on Tuesday at Guyana’s Providence Stadium. Rashid recalled Afghanistan’s World Cup debut 14 years ago and wished the African team well in the competition.
Uganda skipper Brian Masaba had the advantage in their T20 World Cup debut, winning the toss and opting to field. Guyana had recently favored chasing teams, and Uganda’s captain did not hesitate before calling the toss.
“This is a historic moment for Uganda; Afghanistan was there 10 to 12 years (14) ago at the same point. “It’s something special for them and for us,” Rashid Khan remarked before tossing the ball to Uganda. Notably, Afghanistan made its T20 World Cup debut in 2010 and has come a long way since then. Rashid’s men have been labeled as dark horses in the event.
Uganda, co-hosts. The three teams competing in the inaugural men’s T20 World Cup are the United States and Canada. For the first time in the competition’s history, up to 20 teams compete in the showpiece T20 tournament. Uganda and Namibia qualified for the ninth edition of the men’s T20 World Cup through the African qualifiers.
We are quite excited: Uganda’s captain
Uganda became only the sixth African nation to compete in the men’s T20 World Cup. They defeated Test-playing Zimbabwe and past ODI World Cup semi-finalists Kenya in the African qualifiers to get to the finals and compete against the finest in the world.
“The goal is to grow cricket around the world, and teams like Uganda and Papua New Guinea need to play more cricket. “We are very excited to be here,” Uganda captain Brian Masaba stated after winning the toss.
Uganda lacks the resources that some of the other teams in the event possess. However, wearing the yellow shirt, the African team has already captured hearts. In actuality, Uganda is coached by Abhay Sharma, a former India U19 coach.
“Some of the players come from low beginnings, and it is inspirational to see them play for the national team. I had not expected them to live in such conditions before I arrived. Their regard for coaches is likewise high. “The players believe we can change their lives,” Abhay told PTI news agency prior to the tournament.
