Oman’s cricket dream takes flight to Asian Games

MUSCAT, SEPT 21
The dream of seeing an Oman team made up entirely of home-grown players compete at the Asian Games will become a reality soon as the all-Omani men’s cricket squad departed for Japan for the 20th edition of the multi-disciplinary Games in Aichi-Nagoya 2026.
This landmark participation in Japan represents another major step in the development of Oman cricket.
After securing historic qualification in Singapore earlier this year, Oman will now take their place among Asia’s cricketing nations with a 15-member squad comprising entirely Omani players—the first time the Sultanate will compete at the Asian Games.
Oman are also the only GCC country competing in the men’s T20I cricket tournament, adding further significance to their appearance in Aichi-Nagoya.
For Oman Cricket, this occasion is the culmination of an ambition nurtured over several years. “We had planned and wished for an all-Omani team at the Asian Games for many years. Finally, we have one,” said Duleep Mendis, Oman Cricket Chief Development Officer.
“Our boys did very well to qualify and make history in Singapore and we are proud of them. We wish them the very best in Japan and are hopeful that the boys will give their best on their debut in the Asian Games.”
The project to develop this team began in March 2025 following the team's inclusion in the Asian Games qualifiers.
The biggest breakthrough came in the Asian Games qualifiers in Singapore in May 2026, where Oman defeated Singapore and Bahrain to earn their place in Aichi-Nagoya.
CHALLENGING ASSIGNMENT
The men’s competition features 10 teams, with the six lower-seeded sides divided into two groups.
Oman are in Group B alongside Hong Kong and Malaysia, while Group A comprises Afghanistan, Japan and Nepal.
The top two teams in each group advance to the quarterfinals, where heavyweights India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have already secured places with first round bye.
Oman begin their campaign against Hong Kong on September 25, before meeting Malaysia on September 26.
A first-place finish in Group B would put Oman up against Bangladesh in the quarterfinals, while second place would mean a meeting with Pakistan.
The quarterfinals will be played on September 28 and 29, the semifinals on October 1, and the bronze-medal and gold-medal matches on October 3.