Uganda’s debut in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 has hit a snag. Just days before their opening match against Afghanistan on June 3 in Guyana, the ICC forced Uganda to modify their kit to meet specific regulations.
Uganda’s journey to their first men’s T20 World Cup included a unique jersey design competition. In mid-March, Elijah Mangeni’s design won. Inspired by the grey-crowned crane, Uganda’s national bird, the kit featured a yellow base with elegant feather patterns in red and black on the sleeves.
Mangeni described his design as, “Where elegance meets strength, mirroring Uganda’s resilient spirit. The bold blend of vibrant colours symbolises unity, echoing national pride. The jersey, with its feather-inspired patterns, pays homage to the majestic crested crane capturing the essence of grace and power.”
However, the ICC had other plans. The governing body mandated the removal of the feather patterns on the sleeves to ensure sponsor logos were clearly visible. While the wing outlines on the torso remained, most feather detailing on the trousers was removed.
Musali Denis, Uganda Cricket Association’s public relations officer, expressed his disappointment: “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.”
This kit change was announced during a ceremony before the team’s departure to the Caribbean. Despite the setback, Uganda is determined to make their mark in the tournament, showcasing their resilience and spirit on the global stage.
The ICC T20 World Cup kicks off on June 1, with the USA facing Canada in New York. All eyes will be on Uganda as they embark on this historic journey.
