Saturday 18 / October / 2025
Muscat: With eyes gleaming with pride and ambition, skipper Jatinder Singh summed up Oman’s spirit as the national team celebrated their ticket to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka next February–March.
Finishing second behind Nepal in the nine-nation Asia/EAP Qualifier held at the Oman Cricket Academy grounds, Oman sealed their fourth World Cup qualification — and their second in succession — a feat that reflects both resilience and rising stature on the global stage.
“It is a very proud moment to earn qualification to the World Cup for the fourth time,” said Jatinder at a luncheon hosted by Oman Cricket at Mumtaz Mahal Restaurant.
“I thank the board and the coaching staff for their support. The team will prepare hard for the World Cup, and we hope to make an impression on the global stage. We are gaining exposure with each game, and this learning curve is helping us deliver results.”
The skipper’s words set the tone for an afternoon that mixed celebration with resolve, as coaches and officials looked ahead to the challenges of competing on cricket’s biggest stage.
Mendis: ‘Work starts again soon’
Head coach Duleep Mendis praised his players for their composure and consistency but reminded them that success brings new expectations.
“I am proud of the team, but there is still a long journey ahead,” said the former Sri Lanka captain. “The players should enjoy this qualification — our fourth overall — but we will regroup in ten days’ time to start World Cup preparations. The players have the ability to make an impact.”
Under Mendis’ guidance, Oman have developed a culture of discipline and professionalism that continues to yield results on the international circuit.
Kulkarni: ‘Commitment has driven this team’
Deputy head coach Sulakshan Kulkarni credited the team’s rapid progress to focus and hard work. “The boys went into the qualifier with a lot of confidence after the Asia Cup,” he said. “What makes this achievement special is that the team was formed only a year ago. To perform at this level so soon reflects great commitment and unity.”
Kulkarni added that the squad’s blend of senior experience and youthful energy has been crucial to maintaining consistency across formats.
At the luncheon, Oman Cricket (OC) officials commended the team for translating vision into results.
OC secretary Madhu Jesrani urged the younger players to keep learning. “The national team has made the country proud,” he said. “The key now is to continue improving and staying grounded.”
Senior board member Kiran Asher echoed that sentiment. He said: “The national team should continue the good work and set new goals of success.”
OC treasurer Alkesh Joshi called the qualification “a testimony to the planning and execution from the boys who have displayed outstanding team spirit.”
“This is a team that was formed just a year ago with a mix of seniors and juniors,” he noted. “Their progress in such a short span is something the nation and Oman Cricket can be proud of.”
Joshi also announced financial rewards for the players in recognition of their performance and contribution to Oman’s growing cricket legacy.
While the atmosphere at Mumtaz Mahal was festive, the message from both players and officials was clear — the celebration marks a beginning, not an end. Oman’s qualification, achieved ahead of strong regional contenders like UAE, underscored their consistency and growing confidence at international level.
The players now look toward fine-tuning preparations for the World Cup. For Jatinder and his men, the milestone serves as both motivation and reminder of what lies ahead.
“We’re proud of what we’ve achieved,” the skipper said, “but our real goal is to compete hard at the World Cup and make Oman’s presence felt.”
As Oman Cricket charts its next steps under the guidance of Mendis and Kulkarni, the message from the team remains one of pride balanced with purpose. From the sunlit pitches of Al Amerat to the global spotlight of India and Sri Lanka next year, Oman carry with them the belief that their best chapters are still to come.
