Thursday 25 / April / 2024
Muscat: Stage is set for a glittering send-off for the Oman national cricketers as Oman Cricket has arranged plethora of activities at the Ministry of Sports Affairs ground in Al Amerat.
The colourful setting at Al Amerat ground will be graced by the presence of Minister of Sports Affairs Sheikh Saad bin Mohammed Al Mardhouf Al Saadi and Oman Cricket Patron-in-Chief His Highness Sayyid Haitham bin Tariq Al Said.
Adding spice to the evening will be a T20 warm-up game for the India-bound national team against strong-looking Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), who are enjoying a successful tour. However, MCC suffered their first defeat on tour to Muscat CT on Sunday thanks to a superb ton by Sudeep Chawla.
The evening will also witness the official unveiling of the new cricket infrastructure at Al Amerat.
Sayyid Haitham and Sheikh Saad Al Saadi will officially open the floodlight facilities at the venue and mark a new beginning for Oman Cricket. Also to be present will be the Wali of Al Amerat and other top dignitaries.
Speaking to media the other day, Oman Cricket's Pankaj Khimji had said that ten wickets at the first ground are already put to use and the second ground too has an additional 10 pitches.
Games of the second ground are likely to begin soon. Practice facilities with 12 more pitches are also being set up.
After the official unveiling of the facilities, the national cricketers will be provided with official jerseys and kits for their ambitious tour.
BDM is sponsoring the kits for the team and Samsonite (Khimji) is providing the players with special baggage. Ketan Mehta (Synergy) has designed the jersey and logo for the player kits.
Ready for the show
Speaking to Times Sport Oman Cricket General Secretary Madhu Jesrani said: "Everything is in place for tomorrow's (Monday) event and we are ready."
Madhu Jesrani said that it will be high profile event with leading dignitaries taking part and a great cricket match to follow.
"Royal Oman Police will be in hand to help visiting spectators. We are hoping for a large turnout (more than 5000 cricket enthusiasts) and special parking arrangements have been made close to the ground," said Madhu.
"Special seating arrangements have been made for special guests and the others can opt for the hill slopes all along the ground to make them comfortable," he added.
"Sponsors of the Oman national team will also be revealed."
"Special refreshments stalls will be put at the venue and a DJ has been arrange to belt out music and keep the spectators entertained throughout the evening," he said.
Madhu also said that there could be representation from International Cricket Council and in attendance will be Anjum Chopra, former captain of Indian women's cricket team.
"I thank MCC for visiting Oman at the appropriate time and provide the national cricketers with much-needed match practice," he said.
"The inauguration of floodlights will begin at 6 pm followed by the unveiling of team jersey and the Asia Cup, World T20 plans. The match will begin at 7 p.m.," Madhu Jesrani, brimming with excitement, said.
