Latest news with #AlkeshJoshi
Observer
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Oman Cricket to host EAP tournament in October
MUSCAT: Oman will take centre stage this October as it plays host to the Asia-East Asia Pacific (EAP) Final 2025, a major qualifier in the road to the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, at the Oman Cricket Academy (OCA) twin-grounds in Al Amerat. 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 recognised teams. Alkesh Joshi '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 acclimatise 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 Al 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 (MoCSY) 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,' said Joshi. 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). Super Six stage: October 12–17: Top two teams from each group play four cross-group matches; top three teams qualify for ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 Group pairings: Group 1: UAE, Malaysia, Qatar; Group 2: Nepal, Kuwait, Japan; Group 3: Oman, Papua New Guinea (PNG), Samoa.
Muscat Daily
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Muscat Daily
ICC Asia-EAP Final in Oman to decide three 2026 T20 World Cup berths
Muscat – Oman will take centre stage this October as it plays host to the Asia-East Asia Pacific (EAP) Final 2025, a major qualifier in the road to the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, at the Oman Cricket Academy twin-grounds in Al Amerat. 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 emphasized. '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). Super Six stage: October 12–17: Top two teams from each group play four cross-group matches; top three teams qualify for ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 Group pairings: Group 1: UAE, Malaysia, Qatar; Group 2: Nepal, Kuwait, Japan; Group 3: Oman, Papua New Guinea (PNG), Samoa.
Times of Oman
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Times of Oman
Great opportunity for Oman to showcase depth in T20 format: OC official Joshi
MUSCAT: Oman will take centre stage this October as it plays host to the Asia-East Asia Pacific (EAP) Final 2025, a major qualifier in the road to the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, at the Oman Cricket Academy twin-grounds in Al Amerat. 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).
Int'l Cricket Council
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Int'l Cricket Council
ICC announces schedule for East Asia-Pacific and Asia World Cup Qualifiers
Fiji to host largest EAP Women's Event ever with eight teams at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup EAP Qualifier contending for one place at the Global Qualifier Oman to host combined ICC Men's T20 World Cup Asia & EAP Qualifier with nine teams vying for three spots at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Infographics detailing the road to qualification for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup and the ICC Men's T20 World Cup are available to download from the ICC's Online Media Zone The second half of 2025 sees the EAP and Asia regions host two high stakes ICC men's and women's pathway events on the road to World Cup Qualification. The action starts with the ICC Women's T20 World Cup EAP Qualifier, which will take place from 9-15 September, staged in Suva, Fiji. The hosts will welcome Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Japan, Samoa, Cook Islands and the Philippines. Teams will be split into two groups of four each before the semi-final and final, where the winning team will qualify for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Global Qualifier. The event will be the first time that the Philippines have played in an ICC Women's Pathway Event. Chief Executive of Cricket Fiji, Sitiveni Rokoro, said: "We are proud to host our first ICC Women's pathway event here in Suva, Fiji. This marks a major achievement for us, not only as our inaugural women's event at this level, but also as the largest ICC Qualifier ever held in the East Asia-Pacific region, with the participation of eight nations.' 'We are especially excited to welcome all participating teams and extend a warm 'Bula vinaka' to each one of them. 'A special acknowledgment goes to the Philippines women's team, who will be making their debut in an ICC pathway event. This tournament stands as a testament to the growth, inclusivity and regional collaboration that continues to drive the advancement of women's cricket across the East Asia-Pacific. 'We are deeply grateful to the ICC and the EAP Regional Team for their continued support and commitment in helping us bring this event to life.' From 8 October, Oman will stage the combined ICC Men's T20 World Cup Asia & East Asia-Pacific Qualifier with the ultimate goal of three World Cup spots up for grabs. Sub-regional qualifiers from 2024 Kuwait, Malaysia, UAE, Qatar, Japan and Samoa will join Nepal, Papua New Guinea, and the hosts, to do battle over the 10-day event. The tournament will take place in two stages: a Group Stage from 8-10 October, followed by a Super Six Stage from 12-17 October. 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, alongside some of the biggest names in world cricket competing in India and Sri Lanka next year. Alkesh Joshi, Oman Cricket Treasurer said: '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, that's why entry to all matches at Amerat will be free. We invite the community to turn out in their numbers and cheer for the team. '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.' 2025 Match Schedules: ICC Women's T20 World Cup EAP Qualifier Tuesday 9 September Fiji v Cook Islands (AM) PNG v Japan (AM) Indonesia v Vanuatu (PM) Samoa v Philippines (PM) Wednesday 10 September Japan v Samoa (AM) Fiji v Indonesia (AM) PNG v Philippines (PM) Cook Islands v Vanuatu (PM) Friday 12 September Cook Islands v Indonesia (AM) Philippines v Japan (AM) Fiji v Vanuatu (PM) Samoa v PNG (PM) Saturday 13 September A3 v B4 (SF3) (9:00AM*) B3 v A4 (SF4) (9:00AM*) A1 v B2 (SF1) (PM) B1 v A2 (SF2) (PM) Monday 15 September Winner SF3 v Winner SF4 (AM) Loser SF3 v Loser SF4 (AM) Winner SF1 v Winner SF2 (PM) Loser SF1 v Loser SF2 (PM) All matches will be live on and take place at Albert Park, Suva, starting at 9:30 (AM) and 1:30 (PM) local time. ICC Men's T20 World Cup Asia & EAP Qualifier Group 1 – UAE, Malaysia, Qatar Group 2 – Nepal, Kuwait, Japan Group 3 – Oman, Papua New Guinea, Samoa Wednesday, 8 October Oman v Samoa 10:00AM UAE v Qatar 2:30PM Nepal v Kuwait 7:00PM Thursday, 9 October Malaysia v Qatar 10:00AM Kuwait v Japan 2:30PM PNG v Samoa 7:00PM Friday, 10 October UAE v Malaysia 10:00AM Nepal v Japan 2:30PM Oman V PNG 7:00PM Super Six Stage Sunday, 12 October G3Q1 v G1Q2 10:00AM G1Q1 V G2Q1 2:30PM G3Q2 v G2Q2 7:00PM Monday, 13 October G3Q1 v G1Q1 2:30PM G2Q1 v G1Q2 7:00PM Wednesday, 15 October G2Q2 v G1Q2 10:00AM G3Q2 v G1Q1 2:30PM G3Q1 V G2Q1 7:00PM Thursday, 16 October G1Q1 V G2Q2 2:30PM G1Q2 v G3Q2 7:00PM Friday, 17 October G2Q2v G3Q1 10:00AM G3Q2 v G2Q1 2:30PM All matches will be live on and take place at the Oman Cricket Academy in Al Amerat.
Muscat Daily
02-06-2025
- Sport
- 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
