Oman Cricket’s infrastructure growth key to host major fixtures: ICC chief

MUSCAT, SEPT 5
Oman Cricket could upgrade its infrastructure in order to host major international fixtures, according to International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman Jay Shah, who made a private visit to Oman at the weekend.
“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,” Shah said during his visit to the Oman Cricket (OC) headquarters on Thursday.
The ICC chief toured the Oman Cricket Academy and met the all-Omani national squad preparing for the Asian Games, as well as the under-19 boys, women’s and under-19 girls’ teams.
Shah praised Oman Cricket’s progress and backed further investment in infrastructure, saying Oman has the potential to host more international cricket.

Shah hinted that the ICC could explore ways to support Oman’s infrastructure plans and expressed confidence that permanent facilities, including spectator stands, would be developed.
Shah was briefed by OC Chairman Pankaj Khimji, Vice-Chairman Paul Sheridan, Treasurer Alkesh Joshi, Secretary Madhu Jesrani, board officials including Syed Anwar, Chaitanya Khimji, Damodar Katti and chief development officer Duleep Mendis, on the organisation’s development plans.
He later held discussions with the OC board on the development of cricket in Oman and opportunities to host international and regional cricket.
Shah recalled that Oman has proved its credentials to host high-level cricket during the Covid-19 pandemic, when Oman and the UAE stepped in to host matches in 2021 after the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup was moved from India.
“Oman did a fantastic job,” Shah said, praising the country’s ability to stage international cricket at short notice.
The possibility of Oman hosting more bilateral cricket was also discussed. Shah pointed to an upcoming Future Tours Programme (FTP) bilateral workshop in Dubai later this month, where member boards can explore potential fixtures.
While bilateral series remain primarily a matter between individual boards, Shah said the ICC could assist where required.
He also identified opportunities for Oman to host training camps for teams from the Gulf, noting that the country has developed strong infrastructure and can provide a suitable environment for both senior and junior players.

DEBT-FREE BOARD
Shah was encouraged by Oman Cricket’s financial position after Khimji informed him that the board is debt-free.
“For Oman today, funding is not a problem,” Shah said.
The ICC chairman also highlighted the progress of women’s cricket in Oman and noted the significant improvement in the national team’s ranking.
“Women’s cricket is very close to my heart,” Shah said, reiterating his support for greater opportunities for women players. He also recalled initiatives during his tenure at the BCCI to strengthen recognition and financial support for women’s cricket, including the introduction of pay parity.
Shah welcomed cricket’s growing presence in multi-sport events, particularly the Asian Games and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
With cricket returning to the Olympic programme, Shah said both the ICC and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) were excited about the sport’s future on the global multi-sport stage.
Senior board official Alkesh Joshi termed the visit of ICC supremo Jay Shah as 'historic' and said that Oman Cricket was honoured by the visit.
'The visit of Shah demonstrates the commitment of ICC towards the game's development of Associate nations,' said Joshi.
He added that the ICC chief was 'impressed by the growth of the game among local Omanis' and congratulated the all-Omani team that will make their historic debut at the forthcoming Asian Games in Japan.