Tale of Oman’s journey towards hosting the T20 World Cup 2021 and their efforts to produce world-class facilities for the event

 By K.R. Nayar

Oman will not only be hosting the T20 World Cup this October but will also be participating in it. This honour is the reward for the country's devotion to the game over the years. They've followed the path created by the late Kanak Khimji, a passionate lover of the game and the founding chairman of Oman cricket. They are now getting ready to create the best facilities and deliver a world-class event.

Oman Cricket Academy ground 

For years, Oman was just another country in the Gulf that played cricket at the international level. Very soon it will also be known as a nation that has hosted an ICC T20 World Cup. Efforts have commenced at a brisk pace to ensure that all facilities are in place before the start of the World Cup in October.

Kanak Khimji, Founding chairman of Oman Cricket  

Speaking to krbuzz.blogspot.com Madhu Jesrani, General Secretary of Oman cricket said: “It was a dream and beyond our dream to host a World Cup. We are very proud and honoured to be hosting this prestigious event. We are also happy that we are one of the co-hosts along with UAE. The venue was decided by the BCCI, so we are thankful to the BCCI and the ICC too.”

Madhu Jesrani, General Secretary Oman Cricket 

Jesrani then went on to talk about the work that has commenced to transform the venue into a world-class cricketing centre: “There is a lot of work to be done now. We are increasing our infrastructure so as to try and match it with a world-class venue. The ground, which will be the Oman Cricket Academy ground, is in Al Amerat. We are in the process of upgrading the lights since currently we have 1100 lux lighting and we plan to increase it to 2500 lux as per the ICC requirement.  Two more dressing rooms are being added; then we will have four dressing rooms of international standards as per ICC’s requirement. The score-board will also be larger and it will be set to international standards with TV facility. A TV tower and a commentator's box are being set up to cater to the live coverage of the event. We will also create facilities for the radio and press. A grandstand will be created for the public along with a hospitality box. Since we've done all our homework, we are confident of getting all this ready within three months. Given that we have an outstanding relationship with the UAE, and we are partners with them in hosting this World Cup, we are delighted to be doing this together. This is a great opportunity for Oman and we know we are capable of doing it and we will do it.“

This confidence has stemmed from the fact that all of this has happened due to the untiring devotion and passion among those guided by the late Kanak Khimji who was the founding chairman of Oman Cricket. It is the path he created to promote the game in this country that also saw Oman qualify for the T20 World Cup.

Whenever I've met Kanak Khimji, who was a passionate lover of the game, he always spoke confidently about how Oman would make a mark in world cricket. When Oman moved up the international cricket ranking and began to qualify for top international tournaments, it was clear that his efforts were beginning to yield results. He transformed Oman Cricket into a professional organisation by appointing the best in the game at the helm, starting with former Sri Lankan captain Duleep Mendis as the chief development officer.  People reverently address Kanak Khimji as the ‘Godfather of cricket' in Oman. 

 “It is all because of the blessings of Kanakbhai (brother). We know Kanakbhai is watching us from above. He is the Godfather of Oman cricket and will always remain in our hearts. His service to Oman cricket can never be forgotten and what we see and experience today are the fruits of his efforts.  He had set the base for cricket in Oman, and this is a great opportunity for cricketers and well-wishers in Oman,” noted Jesrani.

On January 5, 2021, I had written about Oman likely to become the second Gulf country after the UAE to host a Test match. The International Cricket Council had given approval to the Oman Cricket Academy ground to host the Test series between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe, though ultimately the series was held in Abu Dhabi. In February, Kanak Khimji passed away, unable to witness a Test match being held in his country.

Pankaj Khimji, Chairman Oman Cricket  

Cricket has always rewarded those who loved the game and it ensures that their dreams do not fade away. Kanak Khimji’s son Pankaj Khimji, who stepped into his father’s post as chairman of Oman Cricket, carried forward the dreams of Oman cricketer lovers with him. As an efficient administrator, he rose to prominence in the international cricket arena and today he is the vice president of the Asian Cricket Council. He ensured that Oman puts their hand up along with the UAE to host the 2021 T20 World Cup which had to be shifted out of India due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Duleep Mendis, Chief Development Officer  

Pankaj Khimji is confident that the venue will be ready on time for the event, including a stand for spectators. He is also hopeful that by September most of Oman's population would have received the Covid-19 vaccine. “This is a great moment for Oman cricket and for the country. This is an infrastructure endowed by the late Majesty Sultan Qaboos. This is the reward for all the hard work we have put in over the years and the support from many organisations across the government of Oman. We are delighted that Oman has also qualified as a playing nation for this World Cup and is the only Associate nation in Asia to have done it. So we are proud to be playing under home conditions in this World Cup. We will leave no stone unturned to exceed the requirements of the BCCI and ICC in staging this World Cup,” remarked Pankaj Khimji