Latest news with #EmergingTeamsAsiaCup
Muscat Daily
5 days ago
- Sport
- Muscat Daily
Oman Cricket to disburse T20 World Cup prize money shortly
Muscat – Oman Cricket (OC) has confirmed that the prize money awarded by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for the team's participation in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 will be disbursed to the full squad (squad comprises of players and support staff) by July 2025. The total amount of USD 225,000 is set to be shared among full squad, in line with ICC regulations. The OC board's decision follows various emergency meetings convened over the last 8 months on this topic. The board reiterated that the delay in disbursement was procedural, dependent on formal post-event clarifications from the ICC, which are typically received after global tournaments. Walkout before Emerging Teams Asia Cup At the centre of the controversy lies a highly unusual episode in October 2024, when 11 senior players, including then captain Aqib Ilyas and ex-skipper Zeeshan Maqsood, withdrew from national duty hours before Oman's campaign at the ACC Men's T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup, which was held in Muscat. While concerns over the delayed prize money had been raised, Oman Cricket officials, including OC Chairman Pankaj Khimji, had assured the players that payments would be made in full following the ICC's confirmation of the allocation and structure. Despite these reassurances, the group of players refused to play, putting Oman's international commitment at serious risk. 'The players had every right to seek clarity, and we were transparent about the timelines involved,' said Pankaj Khimji. 'But to walk out at the last moment — just hours before representing the nation — was not only irresponsible, but it was also an insult to the entire team, the coaching staff, the board, and most importantly, the nation they were supposed to serve.' Following the walkout, the OC Board met twice in emergency sessions and unanimously resolved to terminate the central contracts of the 11 players and bar them from all national and domestic cricket until further notice. The decision was in line with the players' contractual obligations, which the board emphasised the players had clearly breached. The suspended players were Aqib Ilyas, Zeeshan Maqsood, Ayaan Khan, Kashyap Prajapati, Shoaib Khan, Ahmed Fayyaz Butt, Pratik Athavale, Kaleemullah, Rafiullah, Naseem Khushi, and Khalid Kail. Khimji reiterated that this was not a routine disciplinary matter but a serious act of disruption that almost compromised Oman's participation in a major tournament. The board described the episode as a coordinated walkout that amounted to 'blackmail', an act of pressure unbecoming of national representatives. The OC chairman also strongly criticised the involvement of the World Cricketers' Association (WCA), accusing it of orchestrating unrest within the squad at a critical time. 'It is evident that the players were heavily influenced and misled by external voices — particularly the WCA — which encouraged them to abandon their duties under the guise of advocacy. What happened was not protest, but provocation,' Khimji said. 'The WCA played an active role in sowing distrust and destabilising the team environment. The players were urged to take a drastic and unjustified stance, despite having my personal assurance that the prize money would be paid in full — regardless of whether they played the Emerging Cup or not. Such interference is unacceptable, and we cannot allow outside entities to manipulate our national team cricketers.' In the wake of the withdrawals, a new squad was swiftly assembled under the leadership of experienced batter Jatinder Singh. With limited time to prepare, the revamped team regrouped and has since shown tremendous character. Under Jatinder's captaincy, Oman have won 9 out of 11 matches in the ongoing **ICC World Cup League 2, showcasing both resilience and emerging talent. The performance has helped restore belief in the team and underlined the depth of cricketing potential in the Sultanate. OC Treasurer Alkesh Joshi said: 'The response of the new squad has been nothing short of inspirational. They've played with heart, discipline, and a sense of responsibility — everything the national jersey should represent. It is a shame that the barred players came under the influence of certain people and organisations and threatened the sanctity of the game.' To avoid future lapses, Oman Cricket has constituted a special internal committee to investigate the communication gap around the prize money and to recommend a more robust, transparent structure for tournament-based remunerations and player engagement ahead. Joshi said: 'This was an isolated incident, but it showed us the need for stronger systems. We will ensure that players are never left uncertain about their entitlements — but also that professional commitments are never compromised.' Oman Cricket reiterated its commitment to upholding the integrity of the national team and ensuring that the values of discipline and respect for the nation remain non-negotiable. Khimji said that over the years, the players have been the largest beneficiaries of Oman Cricket's growth, with a sizeable percentage of ICC grants spent on their development. 'As an Associate nation, we have been at the forefront — not only in building world-class infrastructure — but also in treating our players like family. They have never been treated unfairly. This incident has been deeply unfortunate.' 'Our doors are open to talent, but closed to indiscipline,' added the Oman Cricket president. 'We will continue to support our players and honour their efforts — but we expect them, in turn, to honour the nation and the badge they wear.'
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Business Standard
06-06-2025
- Sport
- Business Standard
We don't understand why ICC can't help us: Former Oman cricketer Prajapati
Kashyap Prajapati once stood on cricket's biggest stages, representing Oman in the 2024 T20 World Cup alongside some of the sport's biggest names. Just a year later, he finds himself far from the spotlight, living in the United States and uncertain about his cricketing future. His career came to an abrupt halt—not due to poor performance or injury, but because of unresolved financial disputes. The promised share of the ICC prize money from the World Cup never reached him or most of his teammates. After raising their concerns, Prajapati and several senior players were unexpectedly removed from the national team. Frustrated and disillusioned, they question why the ICC, which distributed the funds to Oman Cricket, has not intervened to ensure the players receive what they are owed. From World Cup Glory to Uncertain Exile For Prajapati, playing in the 2024 T20 World Cup was a peak moment after years of dedication. Yet, that triumph was overshadowed by a harsh reality—the players never received their portion of the $225,000 prize money awarded to Oman. It was only through news reports about the record prize fund that they realised something was amiss. Now based in the US, Prajapati feels abandoned, puzzled by the ICC's apparent inaction despite the money being sent to Oman Cricket. Silence and Broken Promises The issue first surfaced months after the tournament. During a tri-series in Canada, Oman players learnt from their counterparts in Nepal and Canada that those teams had at least partially received their prize money. Motivated by this, the Oman squad raised the matter with their officials but were met with vague reassurances and delays. Despite promises that the issue was being addressed, no resolution came. Standing Up Led to Exclusion Before the Emerging Teams Asia Cup in October, senior Oman players united to demand answers. Prajapati recalls that when some players declined to participate without clarity on the money, they were swiftly dropped from the squad. Several senior team members were even asked to vacate their accommodations, abruptly ending their international careers. Loss Beyond Cricket In Oman, losing a cricket contract means losing employment and residency rights. Fast bowler Fayyaz Butt described the situation as devastating personally and professionally, now searching for opportunities outside cricket. Prajapati shared how standing up for their rights cost many players their jobs, visas, and places in the national team. No Voice for Players A major hurdle is Oman's lack of a players' association. It was only after connecting with the World Cricketers' Association during the Canada tri-series that the players understood their rights and found a support network. The WCA highlights that unpaid prize money is a common problem among Associate nations, but Oman's case is particularly severe. WCA CEO Tom Moffat expressed frustration over the ICC's limited enforcement power, noting that their proposal to withhold funds from boards failing to pay players hasn't been accepted. Left in the Dark While the ICC confirmed transferring funds to Oman Cricket, there has been no direct communication with the players. Prajapati described the silence as the most painful part, feeling 'forgotten' and trapped in a system with no safe space to voice concerns. As Oman's team rebuilds without its senior players, Prajapati and others are left wondering whether the people governing international cricket truly hear the struggles of those who bring the game to life.
India Gazette
19-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
BCCI Secretary Saikia dismisses reports of pulling out of ACC events, calls them
By Vipul Kashyap New Delhi [India], May 19 (ANI): BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia dismissed media reports suggesting that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided not to participate in this year's Asia Cup and the Women's Emerging Teams Asia Cup due to cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan. Recent reports claimed that the BCCI had informed the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) of its decision to withdraw from both events -- the Women's Emerging Teams Asia Cup, scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka next month, and the Men's Asia Cup, slated for September. Saikia categorically denied the reports, claiming that the BCCI hasn't engaged in such conversations or taken any steps regarding the ACC events. The BCCI secretary labelled the reports as 'speculative and imaginary.' 'Since this morning, it has come to our notice that some news items about BCCI's decision not to participate in the Asia Cup and the Women's Emerging Teams Asia Cup, both ACC events. Such news is devoid of any truth as till now, BCCI has not even discussed or taken any such steps regarding the ensuing ACC events, let alone writing anything to the ACC. At this stage, our prime focus is on the ongoing IPL and subsequent England series, both men's and women's,' Saikia told ANI. 'The Asia Cup matter or any other ACC event issue has not come up for discussion at any level; hence, any news or report on it is purely speculative and imaginary. It may be said that BCCI, as and when any discussion on any ACC events takes place and any important decision is reached, the same will be announced through the media,' he added. India is the Asia Cup's defending champion and designated host. In 2023, India refused to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, and Sri Lanka was picked as the neutral venue for India's fixtures. Earlier this year, Pakistan hosted the Champions Trophy, but India denied travelling to Pakistan and played all its matches in Dubai. The ACC is headed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi. The PCB chairman, who also serves as Pakistan's interior minister, succeeded Shammi Silva, President of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). (ANI)
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Business Standard
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
BCCI secretary denies reports of India pulling out of Asia Cup 2025
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has categorically denied reports suggesting India's withdrawal from the upcoming Men's Asia Cup and the Women's Emerging Teams Asia Cup. The board dismissed the claims, labelling them as entirely baseless. Several media outlets had earlier reported that the BCCI had informed the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) of its decision to opt out of the two major continental tournaments. The Women's Emerging Teams Asia Cup is scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka next month, while India is set to host the Men's Asia Cup in September. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saika clarified the situation, stating that no such withdrawal has even been discussed within the board. "Since this morning, we have seen news reports claiming BCCI has decided not to participate in the Asia Cup and the Women's Emerging Teams Asia Cup. These reports are completely false. No such discussions have taken place within the BCCI, nor has any communication been made to the ACC," Saika told news agency PTI. Also Read The speculation arose in the backdrop of rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the recent Pahalgam terror incident, prompting concerns over the feasibility of hosting or participating in ACC events involving both nations. "The matter of the Asia Cup or any other ACC-related event has not been brought up in any official capacity. Any reports claiming otherwise are purely speculative and unfounded. Should any decision be taken in the future, it will be communicated through proper channels," the statement concluded.
The Hindu
19-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
News about India pulling out of Asia Cup is speculative: BCCI secretary Saikia
The BCCI on Monday (May 19, 2025) termed as "speculative and imaginary" the report which claimed that it has decided to pull out of men's Asia Cup and women's Emerging Teams Asia Cup. A media report, quoting sources, said that BCCI won't let Indian teams compete in the two Asian Cricket Council (ACC) events at a time when the cricket body is being headed by a Pakistani and just days back the two neighbouring nations were involved in a military conflict. Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who is also PCB Chairman, holds the position of President in the ACC. Defending champions India are the hosts for the Men's Asia Cup, to be played in the T20 format, in September while Sri Lanka have been allotted the Women's Emerging Teams Asia Cup. "Since this morning, it has come to our notice about some news items about BCCI's decision not to participate in the Asia Cup and Women's Emerging Teams Asia Cup, both ACC events. Such news is devoid of any truth as till now, the BCCI has not even discussed or taken any such steps regarding the ensuing ACC events, leave alone writing anything to the ACC," BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia to PTI. Mr. Saikia added that BCCI is focussed on ensuring the smooth conduct of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the upcoming five-match Test series against England beginning next month. 'At this stage, our prime focus is on the ongoing IPL and the subsequent England series, both men and women. The Asia Cup matter or any other ACC event issue has not come up for discussion at any level, hence any news or report on that is purely speculative and imaginary.' "It may be said that the BCCI, as and when any discussion on any ACC event takes place and any important decision is reached, the same will be announced through the media," he added.
