Oman in line to co-host T20 World Cup

Oman has emerged as a possible co-host of the upcoming T20 World Cup along with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Oman cricket officials, including Oman cricket chief Pankaj Khimji, are understood to have held a meeting with Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officials in Dubai recently.

One of the options currently available is to hold first round matches in Muscat, the capital of Oman. Oman itself is also involved in this 16-team tournament. An ICC director said that the idea was suggested during the executive board meeting, although nothing has been finalized yet.
It is noteworthy that the ICC said after the June 1 meeting that it was looking for another location that could connect the three grounds in the UAE, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Sharjah Cricket Stadium and Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. It was also clear from this that the BCCI will continue to be the host of the T20 World, regardless of where it is held.

Currently there are two cricket grounds in Oman, which are recognized by the ICC. Not only was the Oman Cricket Academy’s first ground confirmed to be used as a Test venue and it was also scheduled to host a Test between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe earlier this year, but Zimbabwe’s this The match could not be held due to the refusal to tour.
The eight qualifying teams in the first round of the T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Papua New Guinea, Oman, Bangladesh, Namibia, Netherlands and Scotland, will play the first round from October 18 to 23 before the Super 12 stage begins on October 24. Four teams from the first round qualify for the Super 12 stage in which India, Australia, England, South Africa, Pakistan, New Zealand, West Indies and Afghanistan have qualified directly.