ISWK-I U13 and MCCC Yellow U13 emerge Champions.
Muscat: Oman Cricket recently concluded the U13 School & Academies League Season 2024-25, in which, ISWK-I U13 (Indian School Wadi Kabir – Cambridge) emerged Champions while ISM U13 (Indian School Muscat) bagged Runners-Up position in the Schools league while MCCC Yellow U13 (Muscat Cricket Coaching Centre) emerged Champions and OCA U13 (Oman Cricket Academy) bagged the Runners-Up position.
The highly competitive and engaging tournament that highlighted the immense talent of young budding cricketers from various schools and academies served as an excellent platform for these aspiring players to showcase their abilities and deepen their passion for the sport.
The tournament witnessed 8 teams in the School league which were grouped in 2 groups of 4, with the top 2 of each group playing Semi Finals, then Finals. While the academies witnessed participation from 7 teams in a round-robin format to adjudge the podium finishes. ISWK-I U13 remained unbeaten throughout the Schools tournament to claim Champions, mirrored by MCCC Yellow U13 being unbeaten in 6 out of 6 league matches to claim the championship. The growing interest and enthusiasm in the players and the participation turn out for the matches was impressive and promising to show signs of significant growth in youth cricket.
In the prize distribution, Mr. Alkesh Joshi, Treasurer – Oman Cricket, Mr. Kiran Asher, Board Member – Oman Cricket and Mr. Duleep Mendis, Chief Development Officer, Oman Cricket handed the accolades. For the Schools league, Shravan Sharat Kurup was adjudged Best Batter and Disha Pradeep was adjudged Best Bowler while for Academies league, Aarav Saraiya was adjudged Best Batter and Agastya Vaid was adjudged Best Bowler. Samrudh Shankar was adjudged Best All Rounder for both Schools and Academies League.
Oman Cricket remains committed to fostering young talent through structured competitive tournaments providing the youth to experience cricket, ensuring a bright future for the game from its grassroots in the Sultanate. The success of this league reflects the significance of grassroot cricket and youth development programs and the unwavering passion for the sport among aspiring cricketers.
Speaking on the successful tournament, Mr. Alkesh Joshi, Treasurer – Oman Cricket, said 'This tournament was a testament to the growing cricketing culture among youth in Oman. The young players including young girls in almost every team showed remarkable interest, skills, dedication, and enthusiasm. It is inspiring to see the future of cricket thriving in the country, and we remain committed to nurturing this talent further. We urge all schools in the region to participate in the league encouraging the youth to take up the sport and contribute to the growth of Cricket in Oman as a sport.'

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Observer
02-06-2025
- Observer
Shifas excels in World Masters Games in Taipei
KABEER YOUSUF @kabiyousef An expatriate sports teacher in Oman has bagged bronze medal in the 35+ handball category at the World Masters Games 2025 held in Taipei which in turn has also marked India's first-ever international medal in Handball. PB Shifas, a handball and basketball coach at the Indian School Al Wadi Al Kabir (ISWK) feels all his 15 years of imparting training at the school, clubbed with his skill and leadership on the court were instrumental in securing this milestone victory at the international sporting event. 'This is a proud moment not only for handball as a sport but for every aspiring player across the continent who wants to excel in their chosen sports arena,' said Shifas, adding 'It's an honour to represent the country of my birth and the country of my choice 'Oman', and is an incredible honour.' The team led by Shifas displayed exceptional teamwork, determination, and passion, overcoming tough international competition to bring glory to the nation. The ISWK school management said that this achievement not only marks a personal milestone for Shifas but also India's first-ever international medal in handball, making it a defining moment in the country's sporting history. The teams have consistently excelled, participating in national-level tournaments for the last 11 years under his mentorship. 'This is a remarkable achievement and a proud moment for Indian School Al Wadi Al Kabir and all Indian schools in Oman. Shifas' dedication, perseverance, and passion for sports have not only led to this prestigious international recognition but also continue to inspire our students every day. We salute his spirit and contribution," said DN Rao, Principal of ISWK. Before achieving international recognition, Shifas was a prominent handball player in India, having represented Kerala University and Mahatma Gandhi University for an impressive six consecutive years.


Muscat Daily
02-06-2025
- Muscat Daily
Oman Cricket celebrates Youth Talent at Junior 2nd Tournament Prize Distribution
Muscat – Oman Cricket proudly hosted the Junior 2nd Tournament – a series of tournaments hosted following an excellent rollout of the first edition, a vibrant celebration of emerging cricketing talent across the Sultanate. Spanning four competitive age categories — Under-11, Under-13, Under-16 (Schools & Academies) supported by Mazoon Dairy, and Under-19 supported by Majees Technical Services LLC — the tournament highlighted the growing strength of grassroots cricket in Oman. With exceptional performances and a strong show of exciting growing young talent, the tournament concluded with a formal prize distribution ceremony on Saturday to honour both team achievements and standout individual efforts. 'We are proud of the dedication and discipline shown by these young athletes. Tournaments like this are essential to building a strong future for Oman cricket,' said Alkesh Joshi, Treasurer – Oman Cricket who supported Chief Guest, H.E. Pankaj Khimji, Chairman – Oman Cricket and Guest of Honor, Ms. Nadia Hamzi, Marketing Director, Mazoon Dairy SAOG for the prize distribution. THE AWARDS Under-11 Champions: Indian School Muscat U11 A Best Batter: Ashbel Burboz – Indian School Wadi Kabir U11 Best Bowler: Aarav Keskar – Indian School Muscat U11 A Under-13 Champions: Indian School Muscat U13 A Best Batter: Swastik Kale – Indian School Muscat U13 A Best Bowler: Yohan Sriram – Indian School Muscat U13 A Consolation (Batting Performance): Aarav Saraiya – Indian School Wadi Kabir International U13 Under-16 – Schools Category Champions: Indian School Muscat U16 B Best Batter: Vihaan Chauhan – Indian School Muscat U16 B Best Bowler: Atharv Kalu – Indian School Al Seeb U16 Consolation (Batting Performance): Guransh Singh – Indian School Buraimi U16 Consolation (Bowling Performance): Ayush Shetty – Indian School Wadi Kabir U16 Under-16 – Academies Category Champions: BSC Braveheart U16 Best Batter: Vivaan Malhotra – BSC Braveheart U16 Best Bowler: Oomkar Murthy – BSC Braveheart U16 Consolation (Bowling Performance): Arsh Javed – BSC Braveheart U16 Under-19 – T20 League Champions: Oman Cricket Academy U19 Best Batter: Jeet Shah – Indian School Muscat U19 Best Bowler: Arshad Farshad – Oman Cricket Academy U19 Consolation (Batting Performance): Rishab Gupta – Indian School Wadi Kabir U19


Observer
27-05-2025
- Observer
Meera becomes Oman's first woman umpire
MUSCAT: Earlier this month, in a quiet yet historic moment for Oman sport, Meera Bhanushali stepped onto the field to officiate the opening game of the T20I series between Oman and Bahrain at the Oman Cricket Academy Ground in Al Amerat, becoming the first woman from Oman to umpire an international cricket match. 'It didn't feel like anything special when I walked out to the middle,' Meera recalled. 'But after the game, when it sunk in that I had just become the first woman from Oman to officiate at this level, it felt incredible. I'm very proud to have reached this milestone.' That pride was reinforced almost instantly. Her first major decision — a leg-before-wicket call — came at a critical juncture and proved both correct and game-shaping. 'To have your first major call stand firm gives you a huge sense of confidence,' she said. FROM PLAYER TO UMPIRE Meera's connection to cricket began at the age of six. Between 2010 and 2014, she represented Oman's national women's team, including an overseas tour to Kuwait. 'There weren't many facilities for girls back then. We played on matting wickets, shared kits, and had very limited exposure,' she said. But even after she stopped playing, her passion never faded. 'I couldn't walk away from the game. I love it too much.' That love turned into a new purpose in 2018, when she enrolled in her first umpiring course offered by Oman Cricket. 'It was a big switch, but it felt right. I wanted to stay involved in the game and contribute in any way I could.' In July 2024, her dedication paid off as she became the first woman from Oman to earn an ICC Level 1 umpiring certification — paving the way for her T20I debut. Over the past year, Meera has stood in nearly 45 top-tier men's matches, including A Division and Premier Division league games. 'I didn't face any gender bias,' she said. 'Oman Cricket has been incredibly supportive. The players, the officials — everyone has treated me with respect.' 'There are so many more opportunities now than when I started. Girls play on turf wickets, have their own gear, better coaching and more visibility. It's heartening to see women's cricket finally getting the attention it deserves.' Meera hopes her journey will encourage others to chase their cricketing dreams. 'If you love the game and are willing to work hard, nothing can stop you. Grab the opportunities that come your way — the sky's the limit.'