Oman have taken a solid decision by including four uncapped players in their 17-member team for their maiden Asia Cup appearance next month.
Sufyan Yousuf, Zikria Islam, Faisal Shah and Nadeem Khan are the players in the team, who will be making their international tournament debuts
The team will be captained by experienced opener Jatinder Singh.
The Asia Cup marks a historic milestone for Oman as they step into one of cricket’s most prestigious tournaments for the first time. The challenge will be formidable, with matches lined up against some of the biggest names in world cricket, including India and Pakistan. But for Oman, the tournament represents more than just participation — it is a platform to showcase their growing strength on the international stage.
Head coach Duleep Mendis expressed excitement at the opportunity, highlighting both the significance of the occasion and the challenge ahead. “It is real that we are participating in the Asia Cup – a major tournament and a fantastic opportunity for our players to showcase their skills on a global stage,” he said. “Playing against teams like India and Pakistan is a moment to embrace for any cricketer. Anything can happen in a fast-paced T20 game, where one over of brilliance can change everything.”
Mendis emphasized the value of preparation in the lead-up to the event, crediting the ongoing National T20 tournament for sharpening the players’ competitive edge. “Our build-up has been strong, with the ongoing National T20 tournament providing competitive exposure, and our training sessions have been intense and focused. It’s not just about skills – in high-pressure games against elite teams, mental strength is equally crucial. We are hopeful of making an impact in this Asia Cup and showcasing Oman as a growing cricketing nation,” he added.
Oman’s squad blends the experience of seasoned campaigners with the fresh energy of youngsters. Captain Jatinder Singh, one of the most reliable batters in the side, will look to lead from the front with both his performance and guidance. Alongside him, senior players like Aamir Kaleem, Mohammed Nadeem, and Sufyan Mehmood bring stability, while the uncapped players provide excitement and unpredictability.
Oman find themselves placed in Group A of the tournament. Their campaign begins on September 12 against Pakistan, a clash that will immediately test their nerves and resolve. They then face UAE on September 15, before locking horns with India on September 19 in what will be one of the most closely followed matches of their cricketing history.
This is not Oman’s first brush with global cricket. They featured in the Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 earlier this year in Lauderhill, USA, and made their T20 World Cup debut last year. However, the Asia Cup presents a higher-profile stage with far greater visibility, providing their players with invaluable exposure against world-class opposition.
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Oman Squad for Asia Cup 2025:
Jatinder Singh (capt), Hammad Mirza, Vinayak Shukla, Sufyan Yousuf, Ashish Odedara, Aamir Kaleem, Mohammed Nadeem, Sufyan Mehmood, Aryan Bisht, Karan Sonavale, Zikriya Islam, Hassnain Shah, Faisal Shah, Muhammed Imran, Nadeem Khan, Shakeel Ahmed, Samay Shrivastava.
With youth and experience combining, Oman will aim to create ripples in their first-ever Asia Cup, hoping to prove that they belong among Asia’s cricketing elite.
Pic Credit (Screen grab: YouTube India Daily Live)
