Kampala, (UG):- Brian Masaba, Uganda’s seasoned cricketer and captain, has announced his retirement from T20Is at a team meet-up in Lugogo, marking the end of an era in Ugandan cricket.
The 32-year-old right-hand batsman, who debuted in 2009, has had an illustrious career, playing for various teams including Aziz Damani, Nile, and Wanderers.
Masaba’s five-year tenure as captain has been marked by significant milestones, including leading the team into the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.
Masaba led the team into the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, where they made their debut, and took five wickets in the tournament, including two against West Indies.
During his tenure, Masaba equalled India’s Rohit Sharma with 45 wins in 60 matches as captain in T20Is, making him the joint-second most successful captain in the format. Babar Azam of Pakistan remains the most successful captain in T20Is with 48 wins.
Masaba described captaining Uganda as “the biggest honour of my life” and a “privilege to lead my country” for the past five years. He expressed his gratitude for the experience and the lessons learned about leadership and sacrifice, which he believes will stay with him for the rest of his life.
Under Masaba’s leadership, Uganda showed promise, winning against Papua New Guinea in the T20 World Cup.
However, they struggled against more established teams, losing to Afghanistan, West Indies, and New Zealand. Masaba urged for more games and opportunities for Associate teams like Uganda against bigger teams to bridge the gap.
The announcement comes as a surprise to many, but Masaba’s decision to retire from T20Is marks a new chapter in his career.
Masaba ended his stint as the joint-second most successful captain in men’s T20Is with 45 wins in 60 matches. Masaba has equal number of wins in T20Is as captain for Uganda as India’s Rohit Sharma. Babar Azam is still the most successful captain in T20Is with 48 wins at the helm of Pakistan cricket team.
Masaba’s legacy of success
- Most wins as captain in T20Is (including Super Over wins)
- 48 wins in 85 matches – Babar Azam (Pakistan)
- 45 wins in 60 matches – Brian Masaba (Uganda)
- 45 wins in 57 matches – Rohit Sharma (India)
- 44 wins in 71 matches – Econ Morgan (England)
- 42 wins in 52 matches – Asghar Afghan (Afghanistan)
- 42 wins in 72 matches – MS Dhoni (India)
- 41 wins in 76 matches – Aaron Finch (Australia)
Masaba’s legacy as captain will be remembered for his success and dedication to Ugandan cricket.
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