T20 Cricket World Cup: Uganda Fields the Tournament’s Oldest Player

Frank Nsubuga at 43 years old is set to make history as the oldest players in the T20 Cricket World Cup 2024. Representing Uganda, Frank’s journey from a cricket-loving teenager to a seasoned international player is a testament to his enduring passion and dedication to the sport.

Frank’s cricketing career began at the age of 16 in Lugogo, Kampala, where he was introduced to the game by a Sam Walusimbi, who is arguably Uganda's greatest cricketer and the Patron of Wanderers Cricket Club. Mr Walusimbi played a pivotal role in the early days of cricket in Uganda, helping numerous players like Nsubuga find their footing in the sport.

Frank’s father, who worked at the in-house bar located at the Lugogo Cricket Oval, further fuelled his son’s love for cricket, as he was exposed to the sport from a young age.

“My best memory in the game was at Lugogo, where I took four wickets and three catches in a game against Kenya. It’s moments like these that have kept me going,” Franks says. "The field was filled with fans, and it felt good playing at home like that and winning on that turf."

Frank says his journey to the T20 World Cup 2024 is a story of “resilience, growth, and unwavering passion”. He now finds himself on the world stage, with the eyes of the cricketing world watching him as a favourite. For him, it is a dream come true and “the dream I have been chasing my whole life”, a testament to the power of perseverance.

In his early days, the cost of playing was a significant barrier. The late AK Lutaaya, one of the trustees of Uganda Cricket and a key figure in the early development of the game, played a crucial role in supporting young talents like Frank. "When we started playing, to be able to play, you had to be able to afford it. My first ticket to play was paid for by the late Mr Lutaaya, which allowed me to go to South Africa and grow as a player,” he said.

Over the years, Ugandan cricket has evolved significantly. Frank highlights the positive changes: “Uganda Cricket has changed a lot by putting up regional camps, development programs, and mini cricket initiatives. We now have at least four cricket fields for training, which is crucial for growing the game.” He credits Laurence Mahatlane who was Head Coach from 2020 to 2023 for setting up internal games and facilitating tours, which have strengthened the team and provided valuable international exposure.

In addition since 2005, Uganda cricket has been supported by Cricket New South Wales ho have sent containers of donations with cricket equipment and kit.

Ugandan representation at a global tournament is not unprecedented, with East Africa appearing at the first men’s World Cup in 1975. Associate membership to the International Cricket Council arrived in 1998. In recent years no men’s team has played more T20 internationals than Uganda since the start of 2021 and they have become accustomed to victory in the shortest form, with eight defeats in 59 T20Is in the past two years, including upsetting Test nation Zimbabwe at last year’s Africa Qualifier in Namibia.

Frank's cricket statistics demonstrate his proficiency as both a batsman and a bowler. With a batting average of 24.00 and the highest score of 25, he has shown his ability to contribute valuable runs to his team's total. As a bowler, he has taken 12 wickets in 6 matches, with an impressive average of 19.58 and best bowling figures of 3/16. His economy rate of 3.89 indicates his ability to maintain pressure on opposing batsmen while keeping the runs in check.

Additionally, his contribution goes beyond mere statistics, as his experience, leadership, and impact on the game cannot always be quantified by numbers alone. As a senior player, he emphasizes the importance of mentorship and discipline. “Cricket is a fast-paced game, so you need to take care of yourself and inspire young people. I believe Baguma will follow in my footsteps and play just as long and well. My biggest advice is to be humble with your talent, as it is God-given, and maintain discipline both in the game and in life.”

He’s also not the only Ugandan player to turn heads in recent times, with spin-bowling all-rounder Alpesh Ramjani ready to continue in the same form that led to his nomination for 2023 ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year.

Frank journey to the T20 World Cup 2024 is a story of resilience, growth, and unwavering passion. As he prepares to take the field, he carries with him the hopes of a nation and the legacy of Ugandan cricket. His story is not just about personal triumph but also about inspiring future generations to dream big and overcome obstacles.

© Cricket World 2024