Great opportunity for Oman to showcase depth in T20 format: OC official Joshi
The high-stakes tournament from October 8-17 will bring together nine top Associate nations from Asia and the EAP region, all competing for three crucial spots at the global tournament to be held in India and Sri Lanka in 2026.
The ICC's decision at its 2024 AGM to merge the Asia and East Asia-Pacific qualification pathways has elevated the competitiveness of this event.
'The ICC has done a phenomenal job during the 2024 AGM by integrating the Asia and East Asia-Pacific regions into one competitive qualifier,' said Alkesh Joshi, Oman Cricket Treasurer.
'This gives both regions an equitable platform — three spots for nine determined teams — to prove their mettle and qualify for the global showpiece in 2026.'
The tournament will take place in two stages: a Group Stage from October 8 to 10, followed by a Super Six Stage from October 12 to 17.
The format is straightforward — teams are split into three groups of three, and the top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Six stage.
At the end of the Super Six, the top three teams will earn their place in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, which will feature 20 teams.
Oman enters the tournament with high hopes, not just as the host but also as a serious contender.
'This is a great opportunity for Oman to showcase our depth in the shorter format,' Joshi emphasised.
'We are the only associate nation from Asia to have participated in three ICC T20 World Cups in the past decade, and our boys are hungry to make it a fourth.'
Recent performances have buoyed Oman's confidence, including their win in the Bowl Cup at the Hong Kong Super Sixes 2024 where they defeated several internationally recognized teams.
'The team has been training intensively, and playing at home gives us an added advantage. Familiar conditions, passionate supporters, and strong board backing all combine to boost our confidence,' Joshi said.
Warm-up matches will be played between October 3 and 6 across venues in Muscat, helping teams acclimatize and prepare. Fixtures include Oman facing Kuwait and Nepal, while other participating teams like UAE, PNG, Japan, and Samoa will also get valuable match practice.
Beyond the cricketing action, Oman Cricket is making concerted efforts to make the event inclusive and celebratory.
'As a board, we are fully committed to providing our players with world-class preparation platforms. We also want this tournament to be a celebration for fans,' said Joshi. 'That's why entry to all matches at Amerat will be free. We invite the community to turn out in numbers and cheer for the team.'
Joshi also expressed gratitude to local authorities. He said, 'We sincerely thank the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for their unwavering support in Oman's cricketing journey. Hosting major ICC events elevates Oman's status in the global sporting arena.'
'This tournament is a celebration of associate cricket. Hosting it in Oman proves we are not just participants but contributors to the growth of global cricket,' added the senior Oman Cricket functionary.
Warm-Up matches: October 3–6: Oman vs Kuwait, UAE vs PNG, Japan vs Samoa (Oct 3); Malaysia vs Samoa, Oman vs Nepal (Oct 4); UAE vs Japan, Kuwait vs Qatar (Oct 5); Nepal vs Qatar, Malaysia vs PNG (Oct 6).
Group stage fixtures: October 8–10: Oman vs Samoa, UAE vs Qatar, Nepal vs Kuwait (Oct 8); Malaysia vs Qatar, Kuwait vs Japan, PNG vs Samoa (Oct 9); UAE vs Malaysia, Nepal vs Japan, Oman vs PNG (Oct 10).
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