Thursday 28 / November / 2024
Muscat: The Sultanate’s cricket has virtually been put under the ‘new spotlight’ with Minister of Heritage and Culture and Oman Cricket’s Patron-in-Chief His Highness Sayyid Haitham bin Tariq Al Said ceremonially inaugurating the floodlight facilities at the refurbished, lush green Ministry of Sports Affairs Ground in Al Amerat on Monday evening.
The glittering ceremony, organised in the presence of Minister of Sports Affairs Sheikh Saad bin Mohammed Al Mardhouf Al Saadi and attended by who is who of Oman Cricket, the ministry officials as well as the visiting members of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), has an added significance as it marked the final leg of preparations of Oman national team, who are set to embark an historic tour of South Asia where they will take part in the Asia Cup in Bangladesh and then make their debut in the ICC World T20.
Speaking on the occasion, HH Sayyid Haitham mentioned the Royal attention accorded to the game in the Sultanate.
While wishing the national team success in their international outings, he said: “Oman Cricket has been receiving good support from the government over the years and that support has come following the Royal instructions.”
On the occasion, Oman Cricket’s Patron-in-Chief also thanked various sponsors who have come forward to the support the national team and contributed to their international success.
HH Sayyid Haitham also stressed the need to have a school of cricket to take the game further in the country.
Meanwhile, Oman Cricket has revealed that Omantel has come forward to be the main sponsor of the team while BDM, Passage to India and Samsonite (Khimji Group) have already joined the bandwagon. Ketan Mehta of Synergy Advertising has designed the logo and players jersey.
Bleed Red for Oman
Oman Cricket board member Pankaj Khimji urged all those involved with Oman Cricket to extend their full support and power the team to greater heights.
While thanking all the stakeholders for developing the ground and its facilities, Pankaj said: “The team comprises Indians, Pakistanis and Sri Lankans and one Omani to power team ahead.”
“Let’s Bleed Red for Oman from today,” he said.
Meanwhile, Fahd Al Raisi, Director General of Sports Development and Welfare at Ministry of Sports Affairs, said the ministry has always been supporting Oman Cricket and the national team.
“Just like other sports, the ministry has always been providing all the support to Oman Cricket and the team. The recent felicitation of the national team during the Annual Awards Gala comes under the ministry’s support to the game,” he said.
The ministry official also revealed that he will be personally cheering the team during the ICC World T20 Championship in India.
Besides setting up floodlight facilities, Oman Cricket has been going ahead with their plans to further develop the infrastructure in the country.
In Al Amerat, for example, after developing ten turf wickets at the first ground, the Sultanate’s cricket governing body is planning to put to use 10 additional pitches. Practice facilities with 12 more pitches are also being set up.
Oman team, who are being coached by Sri Lankan great Duleep Mendis, are scheduled to camp in north Indian city of Dharamsala till February 17 before heading to Bangladesh to take part in the Asia Cup.”
The 2016 Asia Cup, to be played in T20 format for the first time, will take place Bangladesh from February 26 to March 6.
Oman will be competing in the Asia Cup Qualifier, to be organised from February 19 to 22, with Afghanistan, Hong Kong and United Arab Emirates for the lone berth in the main championship.
Oman booked their berth in the ICC World T20 Championship after an excellent showing in World T20 Qualifier jointly hosted by Ireland and Scotland last year.
The World T20 takes place in India from March 8 to April 3. To make it to the Super 10 stage of the world event, Oman have to get past their first round Group A opponents Bangladesh, Ireland and the Netherlands.
Group B comprises Zimbabwe, Scotland, Hong Kong and Afghanistan and only toppers from each group qualify for the Super 10 stage of the championship. Oman are scheduled to start their campaign against Ireland on March 9. Then they take on the Netherlands on March 11 before completing their group engagements against Bangladesh on March 13.
