Saturday 31 / January / 2026
Muscat: As Oman continue their steady rise on the international cricket scene, the national team will once again take the field at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, this time co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, from February 7 to March 8. Qualification marks Oman’s fourth appearance at the tournament, underlining the progress the team has made since its first World Cup entry in 2016.
Oman secured their spot through a strong campaign at the Asia–EAP Regional Qualifier, finishing second in the Super Six behind Nepal. Nadeem Khan and Jiten Ramanandi were standout performers with the ball in that tournament, each taking 11 wickets, while batting was anchored by the experience of Jatinder Singh, Oman’s all-time leading T20I run-scorer.
Speaking to Times of Oman ahead of the team’s departure to Sri Lanka, where the team is currently camping for the first game on February 9, Jatinder described the achievement as both motivating and a learning opportunity.
“It’s a proud moment, the boys are really looking forward to playing in the World Cup. To play for the fourth time as an Associate nation is something we are proud of and we are looking forward to showcase our talent on the biggest stage.” Oman’s journey reflects the growing professionalism and depth of cricket in the country. With a mix of seasoned campaigners and emerging talent, Oman are well-positioned to test themselves against elite opponents.
Oman, coached by Duleep Mendis and his deputy Sulakshan Kulkarni, will compete in Group B alongside co-hosts Sri Lanka, Australia, Ireland, and Zimbabwe with their opening match against Zimbabwe on February 9.
While Oman carry the hopes of their fans, they are part of a larger Associate nation’s presence that adds diversity and competitive intrigue to the tournament with a total of eight nations along with Oman at the upcoming edition.
Here’s a closer look at the other Associate teams:
Italy: They will make their World Cup debut, having topped European sub-regional qualifying and edged past Jersey in the Europe Regional Qualifier. Led by Wayne Madsen and featuring former South Africa international JJ Smuts, Italy are in Group C.
Canada: They made a winning T20 World Cup debut in 2024, and return after a perfect Americas Regional Qualifier, winning all six matches. All-rounder Shivam Sharma led the wickets, while 22-year-old captain Dilpreet Bajwa continues to impress. Canada will play in Group D.
Namibia: They continue their reliable World Cup record, making a fourth consecutive appearance. All-rounder JJ Smit starred at the Africa Qualifier, with captain Gerhard Erasmus leading a largely experienced squad. Despite a final loss to Zimbabwe, Namibia’s qualification was assured.
Nepal: The Asian nation arrived unbeaten from the Asia–EAP pathway, surviving multiple tight finishes including a one-run victory over the UAE. Rohit Paudel captains the squad, supported by all-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee. Nepal will be hoping to progress beyond the group stage for the first time in their third World Cup appearance.
Netherlands: The Dutch secured their seventh T20 World Cup berth, topping the European Regional Qualifier. Led by Scott Edwards, they bring experience in Asian conditions and a balanced squad for Group A, which includes co-hosts India and Pakistan.
Scotland: They earned a late entry, replacing Bangladesh as the highest-ranked team not already qualified. Ranked 14th globally, Scotland make their seventh World Cup appearance, with a well-balanced squad ready for the challenge.
UAE: The Gulf nation finished third behind Nepal and Oman in the Super Six, and sealed the final World Cup spot from Asia with a decisive win over Japan. Captain Muhammad Waseem leads a side highlighted by Alishan Sharafu, the Qualifier’s leading run-scorer.
USA: They qualified automatically thanks to their historic 2024 campaign, which included a famous win over Pakistan and a Super 8 finish. Coach Pubudu Dassanayake believes his side can replicate that success and compete across all departments.
For Oman, the focus remains on building from experience and testing themselves with a blend of experience and youth against world-class opposition.
With leadership, talent, and growing depth, the team looks to add another proud chapter to their World Cup story, searching for success after having recorded only two victories from their previous three World Cup appearances. (With inputs from ICC)
