Uganda's national cricket team will be missing two of their key players when they take on Bermuda at the National Sports Centre in four matches later this month.

Veteran batsman Nehal Bibodi is the latest withdrawal from the squad, citing work commitments, while skipper Junior Kwebiiha has also opted out for the same reason.

Bermuda take on the Africans in the newly-formed International Cricket Council (ICC) Intercontinental Shield in a four-game starting on August 17.

The teams will then clash again in 50-over matches on August 22 and August 23 and finally in a Twenty/20 game on August 24.

Bibodi scored two centuries and a half-century during Uganda's failed attempt to qualify for the 2011 Cricket World Cup in South Africa earlier this year.

According to Ugandan newspaper, the Daily Monitor, the 38-year-old's absence will be "felt at the top of Uganda's fragile batting order".

Bibodi told the paper: "This is peak time at our Stone Quarry Factory in Mukono. Many construction companies are in need of stone aggregates. I have to be there all the time and I don't think I will serve the team fully with business on my mind. I will play again next year."

With two star players missing, national coach Mohammed Ebrahim Barney is hoping he can get the services of Canada-based Kenneth Kamyuka and Joel Olweny who are currently playing for the 2007 Toronto Elite League champions, Brampton Masters Parkdale CC.

The Africans are scheduled to arrive in Bermuda on August 15.

The ICC pitted Bermuda alongside Uganda, Namibia and United Arab Emirates in the Shield competition, the winners of which will receive $25,000 and the runners-up $10,000.