Latest news with #OmanCricket
Muscat Daily
3 days ago
- 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
Observer
27-05-2025
- Sport
- 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.'
Muscat Daily
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Muscat Daily
Meera's call: A new chapter for women in Oman Cricket
Muscat – Earlier this month, in a quiet yet historic moment for Omani 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 Omani woman 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 Omani woman 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.' She credits much of her journey to the late Kanak Khimji, former chairman of Oman Cricket. 'He was the first person to encourage me when I was just a girl with a bat in hand. I owe him a lot.' She also acknowledged current chairman Pankaj Khimji, Chief Development Officer Duleep Mendis, Treasurer Alkesh Joshi, senior international umpire Rahul Asher, her umpiring colleagues and the entire Oman Cricket board. 'Their backing has meant everything. They never saw me as a female umpire — just as an umpire.' Wearing two hats Outside the boundary line, Meera works as a manager in a shipping logistics firm. 'In both jobs, decision-making is key,' she said. 'You need to assess situations quickly and fairly, often under pressure. That's something I enjoy.' Though unused to the spotlight, she embraces her role as a pioneer. 'Honestly, I'm not someone who likes the limelight. But if my story can inspire more girls in Oman to take up cricket — not just as players, but in other roles too — I'm happy.' '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.' Cricket is a family affair. 'My mother and father are huge fans,' she smiled. 'My sister doesn't like the game at all,' she laughed, 'but she's always been supportive, along with my parents. I owe them a lot.' Looking ahead, Meera is determined to grow. 'I hope to get more international assignments and keep improving. It's a responsibility I take seriously.' From dusty practice nets to the international stage, Meera's journey is one of quiet courage and trailblazing spirit. In raising her finger, she's lifted the aspirations of a new generation of girls in Oman. Pathway to the pitch for women in Oman Oman Cricket provides perfect platform for aspiring women umpires and coaches in Oman. Interested women can start by completing online ICC modules through the EdApp platform. This foundation step is followed by in-person training sessions under the Oman Cricket system. Umpires gain real-time experience in domestic T20s, while coaches shadow senior staff in academy sessions, working directly with young cricketers. The structured pathway is designed to build knowledge, confidence, and practical skills, paving the way for advancement to higher levels within domestic and regional cricket.
Times of Oman
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Times of Oman
Meera's call: A new chapter for women in Oman Cricket
MUSCAT: Earlier this month, in a quiet yet historic moment for Omani 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 Omani woman 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 Omani woman 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.' She credits much of her journey to the late Kanak Khimji, former chairman of Oman Cricket. 'He was the first person to encourage me when I was just a girl with a bat in hand. I owe him a lot.' She also acknowledged current chairman Pankaj Khimji, Chief Development Officer Duleep Mendis, Treasurer Alkesh Joshi, senior international umpire Rahul Asher, her umpiring colleagues and the entire Oman Cricket board. 'Their backing has meant everything. They never saw me as a female umpire — just as an umpire.' Wearing two hats Outside the boundary line, Meera works as a manager in a shipping logistics firm. 'In both jobs, decision-making is key,' she said. 'You need to assess situations quickly and fairly, often under pressure. That's something I enjoy.' Though unused to the spotlight, she embraces her role as a pioneer. 'Honestly, I'm not someone who likes the limelight. But if my story can inspire more girls in Oman to take up cricket — not just as players, but in other roles too — I'm happy.' '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.' Cricket is a family affair. 'My mother and father are huge fans,' she smiled. 'My sister doesn't like the game at all,' she laughed, 'but she's always been supportive, along with my parents. I owe them a lot.' Looking ahead, Meera is determined to grow. 'I hope to get more international assignments and keep improving. It's a responsibility I take seriously.' From dusty practice nets to the international stage, Meera's journey is one of quiet courage and trailblazing spirit. In raising her finger, she's lifted the aspirations of a new generation of girls in Oman. Pathway to the pitch for women in Oman Oman Cricket provides perfect platform for aspiring women umpires and coaches in Oman. Interested women can start by completing online ICC modules through the EdApp platform. This foundation step is followed by in-person training sessions under the Oman Cricket system. Umpires gain real-time experience in domestic T20s, while coaches shadow senior staff in academy sessions, working directly with young cricketers. The structured pathway is designed to build knowledge, confidence, and practical skills, paving the way for advancement to higher levels within domestic and regional cricket.
Times of Oman
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Times of Oman
All-Omani team shows promising signs in hard-fought T20 series
MUSCAT: A determined All-Omani Development Team came close to pulling off a remarkable series win against the visiting Bahraini National Team in a recently concluded three-match T20 series at the Oman Cricket Academy ground in Al Amerat. Despite losing the series 2-1, the all-Omani side earned praise for their resilience, growing maturity, and ability to compete until the very last ball. For a team built entirely around domestic talent, the performances were a sign of exciting progress in Oman's cricketing pipeline. Head coach of the team, Prashanth Chandran said: 'As the coach of the All-Omani Development Team, I'm incredibly proud of the players' mindset and their eagerness to learn.' He added: 'Despite their limited cricketing experience and match practice, they showed tremendous grit and competed hard in all three games against Bahrain." Chandran said: "The final match, taken down to the very last ball, was a true display of their fighting spirit and desire to win. With structured training and consistent match exposure, I firmly believe this team has the potential to develop into a highly competitive unit that can make Oman proud on the regional and continental stage.' The three-match series offered a range of challenges for the Omani side, but they responded with character. The opening game was a close-fought contest, with Bahrain setting a modest target of 144/8, thanks to tight bowling spells from Faris Khalid Al Balushi (2/12) and Shoaib Ismail Al Balushi (2/18). Oman fell just short in the chase, finishing at 135/7 despite a well-constructed 56 from Sufyan Mehmood and a steady 34 from Shoaib. The second match saw the hosts come roaring back with a high-scoring win. Batting first, Oman posted a commanding 188/4, led by a fluent 61 from Shoaib and a powerful 50 from Mohammed Al Balushi. Bahrain responded with a spirited chase but were stopped at 185/7, with Faris once again impressing with the ball, claiming four crucial wickets. With the series level at 1-1, the decider turned out to be a nail-biter. Oman put up 165/6 on the board, built around Majid Al Balushi's 40 and another solid knock by Mohammed (27). Defending the total, Rashad Al Balushi nearly turned the tide with a devastating spell of 5/12. However, Bahrain's Abdulla Parvej played a match-winning hand, scoring 97 runs and steering his team to victory by just one wicket off the final delivery. While the result may not have gone in Oman's favour, the series featured a number of standout performances. Bahrain's Abdulla Parvej topped the run charts with 127 runs, including his match-winning 97 in the final encounter. For Oman, Shoaib Ismail Al Balushi impressed with a total of 118 runs across the three games, closely followed by Sufyan Mehmood, who amassed 115 runs. On the bowling front, Faris Khalid Al Balushi led the charge for Oman with seven wickets, while Rashad Al Balushi made a major impact with his five-wicket haul in the final game. The series offered a valuable glimpse into the potential that lies within the country's domestic circuit. Brief scores: 1st T20 match: Bahraini National Team 144/8 (Faris Khalid Al Balushi 2/12, Shoaib Ismail Al Balushi 2/18) beat Oman Development Team 135/7 (Sufyan Mehmood 56 (47), Shoaib Ismail Al Balushi 34 (31). 2nd T20 match: Oman Development Team 188/4 (Shoaib Ismail Al Balushi 61 (39), Mohammed Al Balushi 50 (30)) beat Bahrain National Team 185/7 (Faris Khalid Al Balushi 4/38, Sufyan Mehmood 0/26).
