The Ugandan men's cricket team were forced to change their T20 World Cup 2024 jersey right ahead of the showpiece tournament. The International Cricket Council (ICC) mandated a change to their jerseys for not meeting a specific requirement. This news, confirmed by a Cricket Australia report, followed online speculation sparked by changes in the team's uniform. Earlier, Uganda had proudly unveiled their jersey design – the brainchild of Elijah Mangeni, chosen through a public competition. Inspired by the nation's majestic grey crowned crane, the design featured a feathered pattern on the sleeves. Unfortunately, this very element clashed with the ICC's regulations, leading to a last-minute modification request.
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Why Uganda asked to change jersey?
The ICC deemed the sleeve's feathered pattern obstructed clear visibility of sponsor logos. Uganda complied, sporting a brighter yellow jersey devoid of the feathers, as confirmed by online photos. This revised uniform was unveiled before the team's Caribbean departure for the T20 World Cup opener. It was during this reveal that Musali Denis, the Uganda Cricket Association's public relations officer, offered an explanation. Denis explained that due to time constraints, modifications were the only option. The revised kit received ICC approval and was officially unveiled before the team's departure for the West Indies.
"The ICC asked for a change in the design but we didn’t have enough time to make the required changes and had to compromise on the winning design. We lost just about 20 per cent of the original design, but the rest of the design is the same," Musali was quoted as saying by the cricket.com.au report.
Uganda's Cricket Cranes etched their name in history by qualifying for the 2024 T20 World Cup. This remarkable feat came after a decisive win against established cricket nation Zimbabwe in the African qualifiers. Their victory secured their ticket to the co-hosted tournament in the USA and West Indies.
Uganda, making their T20 World Cup debut this year, will face Afghanistan in their opening match of the T20 World Cup 2024 in Guyana.
Uganda's T20 World Cup squad
Brian Masaba (c), Simon Ssesazi, Roger Mukasa, Cosmas Kyewuta, Dinesh Nakrani, Fred Achelam, Kenneth Waiswa, Alpesh Ramjani, Frank Nsubuga, Henry Ssenyondo, Bilal Hassun, Robinson Obuya, Riazat Ali Shah, Juma Miyaji, Ronak Patel. Travelling
Reserves: Innocent Mwebaze, Ronald Lutaaya
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