New Delhi, Sep 4 (PTI) From bustling office workdays to evenings on makeshift pitches, the journey of Oman’s cricketers has often gone unnoticed, even within their own circles. But now, that relentless pursuit brings them to the Asia Cup stage, with captain Jatinder Singh and all-rounder Sufyan Mehmood not just representing their team but also narrating a tale of a nation’s determination to make its mark in international cricket.
"When we started out, our primary goal was to secure a job; cricket played second fiddle,” Jatinder shared with PTI Videos. "Most of us juggled office commitments while squeezing in time for cricket. Now, standing at the precipice of the Asia Cup feels like a dream realized. The entire team is exhilarated and eagerly anticipating the tournament,” he elaborated.
Jatinder recounted the early struggles they faced while nurturing cricket in Oman. “In the beginning, we didn't even have turf grounds; our journey began on cement wickets. We transitioned to Astro Turfs in 2008, but it wasn’t until 2011 that we finally got a proper turf ground. At times, doubts crept in, questioning the purpose of all the hard work. Yet, the passion and hunger kept pushing us forward,” the skipper reflected.
This harsh reality led many gifted players to walk away, but those who remained, like Jatinder and Sufyan, kept the flame alive. Thirty-six-year-old Jatinder amassed 1,704 runs in 36 ODIs, including four centuries, with a best of 118*, along with 1,120 T20I runs at an impressive strike rate of over 115. Sufyan, 34, who faced resistance from his family, nonetheless persisted, having played eight ODIs, scoring 107 runs with a top score of 72 and taking six wickets at an average of 24.50.
Sufyan’s challenges emerged from familial expectations. “Initially, my parents doubted Oman cricket's future prospects, urging me to focus on studies and employment. However, my self-belief never wavered. The drive to keep playing persevered through, and our qualification for the 2016 World Cup felt like our dedication had finally borne fruit,” he recalled.
In 2015, Oman secured T20I status by overcoming Namibia in the World T20 Qualifier, paving their path to the global stage in the following year’s World T20, where they surprised many by defeating Ireland. Unfortunately, the weather disrupted their match against the Netherlands, and a loss to Bangladesh curtailed their run. Yet this World Cup debut marked a significant turning point for Oman cricket.
"Post the 2016 T20 World Cup, our journey really gained momentum. Discipline, professionalism, and coaching saw a revolutionary change. Players began truly enjoying the game more. Fast forward to 2025, our squad is hungrier than ever,” Jatinder emphasized.
As Oman stands in Group A, facing cricket giants like India, Pakistan, and UAE, the challenges are at an all-time high. “We want to play fearless cricket, as it will offer us a clear understanding of our standing since opportunities to compete against top teams are rare. It’s a golden chance,” Jatinder remarked.
For Oman, the Asia Cup's standout moment will be the clash against world champions India - an opportunity to gauge themselves against the very best. Jatinder expressed admiration for Indian stars, naming Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Abhishek Sharma, Arshdeep Singh, and Tilak Varma as his inspirations. Sufyan, on the other hand, holds great respect for Hardik Pandya, particularly for his adept handling of both batting and bowling. “Honestly,” he added, “I aim to learn from most of the Indian team - observing their preparation and pressure management. Every interaction will be educational.”
Beyond the tournament, Oman cricket is keen on fostering a sustainable future. Spearheaded by deputy head coach Sulakshan Kulkarni, there’s a structured initiative in place, integrating cricket into schools to expand its reach amidst football's popularity. “Growing cricket necessitates time, effort, and resources, but we’re making progress,” Jatinder stated. “Academy coaches are visiting schools, imparting fundamental skills, and nurturing talent from a young age. Our objective is to establish a pipeline of skilled players to advance Oman cricket for generations.”
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