By Zainab Shafiq 
Oman’s senior cricket team’s exceptional feat in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier Final ignited a wave of enthusiasm that brought together fans, families, Oman Cricket board members, and officials from the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth at Muscat International Airport, well into the late hours of Monday. Their purpose was to extend a warm welcome to the victorious team that had conquered the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier Final.
In a heart-pounding final showdown that unfolded at the TU ground in Kirtipur on Sunday, Oman emerged triumphant over the host nation, Nepal, in a thrilling super over. With a perfect record, they secured their place in the T20 World Cup 2024 qualifier, winning the hearts of nearly 35,000 local fans who had gathered to support their team.
The title victory, coupled with their qualification for the T20 World Cup for the third time under the guidance of head coach Duleep Mendis, was a source of immense national pride and jubilation. The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth organized a reception for the national heroes at the VIP lounge, typically reserved for foreign dignitaries, on Monday night, signifying the significance of their achievement.
Hisham Al Sinani, the director-general at the sports ministry, along with Oman Cricket (OC) vice-chairman Paul Sheridan, OC secretary Madhu Jesrani, OC treasurer Alkesh Joshi, OC board members Kiran Asher and Syed Anwar Ahsan, and numerous fans and family members, led the welcome party at the airport.
Coach Duleep Mendis, a legendary Sri Lankan cricketer, expressed his elation and pride upon his arrival at the airport, hailing this monumental achievement as a testament to the tremendous progress Oman Cricket has made over the years under the adept leadership of H.E. Pankaj Khimji, the Oman Cricket chairman.
Oman’s captain, Zeeshan Maqsood, celebrated their qualification and unbeaten journey to secure the trophy, commending his exceptional team and acknowledging the contributions of Aqib Ilyas, named Player of the Tournament, and Bilal Khan, the best bowler of the Asia Qualifier Final.
The OC chairman, Pankaj Khimji, who is also the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) vice-chairman and ICC director, expressed his delight and commended the team for making the country proud once again. He emphasized that Oman’s victory was a tribute to the nation and its people, extending his gratitude to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik for his patronage.
Aqib Ilyas, Oman’s vice-captain and Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Asia Qualifier Final, expressed his joy and spoke of the team’s hard work and preparation for the expanded 2024 T20 World Cup, where they will compete with the world’s best. The team’s collective efforts and the backing of coach Mendis were vital to their success.
OC secretary Madhu Jesrani looked ahead to the team’s future, hoping for a strong showing in the 2024 T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies. OC treasurer Alkesh Joshi emphasized the strategic changes that had elevated the team’s performance, acknowledging the support of the sports ministry and H.H. Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham as crucial factors in their journey to success.