ICC Chairman Jay Shah has backed Oman Cricket’s ambitions to stage more major international fixtures, identifying further investment in permanent infrastructure as an important step in the country’s development as a cricket destination.
Shah visited Oman Cricket’s headquarters in Muscat, where he toured the Oman Cricket Academy, met national and age-group players and held discussions with the board over the country’s cricket development plans and opportunities to attract additional international and regional cricket.
During the visit, Shah said: “With a better and upgraded infrastructure, Oman Cricket will be able to host major international fixtures. Importantly, they need to strengthen the existing permanent infrastructure.”
The discussions come as Oman Cricket looks to build on its experience of staging global events and expand the role the country can play within the international calendar.
Permanent infrastructure central to Oman’s hosting ambitions
Oman already has experience of delivering international cricket at short notice. In 2021, Oman and the UAE stepped in as hosts after the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup was moved from India during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reflecting on Oman’s role in staging the tournament, Shah said: “Oman did a fantastic job.”
Attention is now turning to how Oman can strengthen its facilities for future events, including the development of permanent spectator infrastructure.
Shah said: “Right now, the infrastructure is very good, but if you want to host international games, you need some permanent infrastructure also.”
The ICC could explore ways to support Oman Cricket’s infrastructure plans, while Shah expressed confidence that permanent facilities, including spectator stands, would be developed.
Bilateral cricket and training camps offer further opportunities
Potential international fixtures were also on the agenda during Shah’s discussions with Oman Cricket officials.
An upcoming Future Tours Programme bilateral workshop in Dubai later this month will give member boards an opportunity to explore possible fixtures. Bilateral series are principally arranged between individual boards, although the ICC can provide assistance where required.
Oman could also increase its role as a training destination for teams from elsewhere in the Gulf. Its existing facilities were identified as capable of supporting camps for both senior and junior cricketers.
The visit included meetings with Oman Cricket President Pankaj Khimji, Vice-President Paul Sheridan, Treasurer Alkesh Joshi, Secretary Madhu Jesrani and other board officials, who briefed Shah on the organisation’s development plans.
Debt-free Oman Cricket targets further growth
Oman Cricket’s financial position provides another foundation for its expansion plans, with Khimji informing Shah that the board is debt-free.
Shah said: “For Oman today, funding is not a problem.”
Shah’s tour also included interactions across Oman Cricket’s player pathway, from the women’s and junior programmes to the all-Omani side set to compete at the Asian Games.
Oman Cricket Treasurer Alkesh Joshi said: “The visit of Shah demonstrates the commitment of ICC towards the game’s development of Associate nations.”
Joshi also described the visit as historic and said Shah had been impressed by the growth of cricket among Omanis. The all-Omani team is preparing to make its Asian Games debut in Japan.
Women’s cricket and Olympics in focus
Women’s cricket formed another part of the discussions, with Oman’s progress in the women’s game and improvement in the national team’s rankings highlighted during Shah’s visit.
Shah said: “Women’s cricket is very close to my heart.”
During his previous tenure at the BCCI, Shah supported measures aimed at increasing recognition and financial support for women cricketers, including the introduction of pay parity.
Joshi added: “Our development programme with women’s cricket and the huge jump in rankings was applauded by Shah and we are determined to make further progress in raising the level of women’s cricket.”
The broader expansion of cricket through multi-sport events was also discussed. Shah welcomed the sport’s presence at the Asian Games and its return to the Olympic programme for the Los Angeles 2028 Games, with both the ICC and International Olympic Committee looking ahead to cricket’s growing role on the global multi-sport stage.
For Oman Cricket, the combination of further infrastructure development, potential bilateral fixtures, regional training opportunities and expanding player pathways provides several routes to build on its established international hosting experience.
