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Times of Oman
2 hours ago
- 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).
Times of Oman
3 hours ago
- Times of Oman
Italy, Netherlands qualify for T20 World Cup 2026
New Delhi: International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Jay Shah lauded Italy and the Netherlands after both teams qualified for the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup. It is scheduled to be hosted in India and Sri Lanka. In a post on X on late Friday evening, Shah said, "An amazing result for @KNCBcricket and @FedCricket, qualifying for the @ICC Men's @T20WorldCup 2026 through the Europe Qualifier," Shah wrote. "For Italy, it will be their first-ever appearance at the tournament that India will defend early next year. Well done to both teams!" While the Netherlands are a familiar face in the global T20 landscape, Italy's qualification marks a significant moment in the nation's cricketing journey, as they prepare to showcase their talent on the world stage. India, the defending champions, will host the tournament along with Sri Lanka in 2026, with the growing list of qualified teams promising a truly global showcase of T20 cricket. The final day of the Europe Qualifiers for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup turned into a roller coaster ride. All four sides, Italy, Netherlands, Scotland and Jersey had an opportunity to confirm their presence in the tournament. Scotland, who have featured in the last four editions of the tournament, hoped to qualify, but their hopes ended on a bitter note after a last-ball defeat against Jersey earlier on Friday. In a must-win battle, Jersey crossed the line on the final delivery of the game and pulled off a stunning win by chasing a 134-run target. Even after pulling off a one-wicket heist, Jersey, who were level with Italy on five points, were knocked out of the race due to Italy's superior net run rate. Italy needed to avoid a heavy defeat, which they managed by stretching their defence from 134/7 to 16.2 overs. After opting to bat, Italy lost their opening pair, Justin Mosca and Emilio Gay, within the first three overs. Italy captain Joe Burns hammered 22 before falling in the seventh over, which reduced them to 41/3. Wicketkeeper-batter Marcus Campopiano's cheap dismissal added to Italy's woes as they tottered on 46/4 in the ninth over. Benjamin Manenti's 27-ball 30 and Grant Stewart's 25(16) helped Italy garner 33 runs in the last three overs, which propelled them to 134/7. In reply, the Netherlands were quick off the blocks and hammered 66/0 in the powerplay. Michael Levitt and Max O'Dowd's 81-run opening stand ended in the eighth over. Crishan Kalugamage removed Levitt's stay on 34(25), but the Dutch side quickly rebounded after captain Scott Edwards forged an unbeaten 64-run stand for the second wicket to see the Netherlands home. As of now, 15 teams have qualified for the T20 World Cup. The Asia EAP qualifier will see three more sides feature in the competition, while two further teams will make it through from the Africa qualifier.
Times of Oman
a day ago
- Times of Oman
Oman Air named official airline partner for COMEX 2025, reinforcing digital-first vision for travel
Muscat, – Oman Air, the national carrier, has been named the Official Airline Partner for COMEX 2025, highlighting its commitment to innovation and a digitally empowered future for the Sultanate. This partnership with Oman's leading tech and innovation expo, which is to be held from 7–10 September at the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, was unveiled by the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, during a press conference earlier this week. The collaboration supports Oman Air's ambitious digital-first transformation journey, positioning it as one of the region's leading smart airlines. The airline has introduced direct digital bookings and self-service enhancements, making travel more convenient for its guests. It has also expanded its Oman Air Holidays packages and integrated seamless connections with oneworld, offering access to over 900 destinations in 170 countries and territories. These efforts reflect its commitment to delivering a hassle-free, digitally enhanced travel experience across the region and beyond. 'As the official airline partner, we are proud to support COMEX in advancing Oman's position as the digital gateway of the region,' said Mike Rutter, Chief Commercial Officer at Oman Air. 'This collaboration underscores our commitment to driving digital innovation across every part of the travel experience. It also reflects a broader national vision, one where aviation plays a key role in enabling smarter, more connected ecosystems across tourism, trade, and technology. At COMEX, we look forward to showcasing how Oman Air is helping to shape the future of travel, both for Oman and the wider region.' COMEX 2025 offers visitors a first-hand look at Oman Air's award-winning hospitality and digital innovation, from the presence of its iconic Business Studio cabin to an interactive booth showcasing its latest travel solutions. As part of the partnership, Oman Air will extend a range of strategic support initiatives to COMEX, including prominent brand visibility through a dedicated aircraft decal, digital activations across its platforms, tailored MICE travel support for regional and international delegates, and the inclusion of co-branded content on its inflight entertainment system to further amplify the event's reach. COMEX 2025 is expected to host over 300 local and global exhibitors in smart cities, fintech, AI, sustainability, cybersecurity, and more. With Oman Air as the official airline, the event gains a powerful travel partner to help elevate GCC-wide participation and tourism-led digital growth.
