KAMPALA – The Uganda Cricket Association hosted a vibrant awards gala on Saturday, November 30, at the Copper Chimney Restaurant, celebrating the year’s best performers.

Players, coaches, and fans gathered for an evening filled with laughter, camaraderie, and celebration, hosted by former Cricket Cranes captain Davis Karashani and Gistin Angarukiremu.

Fresh off a scintillating performance in the Challenge League B, Cricket Cranes captain Riazat Ali Shah was named cricketer of the year ahead of former captain Brian Masaba and Victoria Pearls cricketer Immaculate Nakisuuyi.

Cricket prayer of the year Riazat Ali Shah gets his award from UOC president Donaarg Rukare. (Credit: Charles Lwanga)

There was plenty of sentiment towards Masaba who got Uganda’s first-ever World Cup wicket but Shah’s consistency was unmatched.

“It was an amazing day for us, particularly for me and the team. We played at the World Cup and we were able to win our first game in the World Cup. We put up a good performance in the Challenge League B where our goal was to win all of our matches at home which we did,” said Shah.

Alpesh Ramjani won the best international cricketer award ahead of Henry Ssenyondo and Robinson Obuya.

Domestic cricket player of the year (women) Teddy Oyella smiles with her award. (Credit: Charles Lwanga)

The best female international cricketer award went to Ritah Musamali while Suleiman Shariff of Wanderers took home domestic cricketer of the year.

Teddy Oyella of Tornado Bee took home the domestic female cricketer of the year. The two Rising Star awards male and female went to Gerald Olipa and Irene Mutoni respectively.

Coach of the Year was won by Jackson Ogwang of the Push Academy while Sharon Athoula and Eric Wandera won best female and male referees respectively.

Soroti City won women’s club of the year while Wanderers won male club of the year.