Oman captain Jatinder Singh has called on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to extend its support and help Associate nations like Oman get more game time with top-tier teams.
The appeal came moments after Oman nearly pulled off a historic upset against India in their last Group A match of the Asia Cup 2025 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.
India Survive Oman Scare
Oman came agonizingly close to scripting one of the biggest upsets of the tournament, thanks to a spirited effort from Aamir Kaleem and Hameed Mirza. The pair gave Oman a real chance of victory before Hardik Pandya’s brilliant fielding at the boundary turned the game in India’s favor. Suryakumar Yadav’s team eventually won by 21 runs, securing their spot in the next stage.
Despite the loss, Oman’s performance earned admiration from cricket fans and experts, proving that they could compete on par with a top cricketing side.
Jatinder Singh’s Appeal to BCCI
At the post-match press conference, Jatinder Singh acknowledged the gap between Associate and Test-playing nations and urged the BCCI to provide opportunities for Oman to train and play in India.
“If we can get India to let us make their home our home, train at the NCAs, work on our skills, fitness, and mental preparation, and play T20s with club and Ranji teams, it will definitely help us fill the gap,” Jatinder said.
He emphasized that Oman rarely gets a chance to face elite sides, and tournaments like the Asia Cup are crucial for their growth.
Learning from Suryakumar Yadav
After the match, Suryakumar Yadav was seen sharing insights with Oman’s players. Jatinder revealed that the Indian skipper praised their performance and discussed strategies for various phases of a T20 game.
“Our boys asked Surya questions about playing in different stages of the game. His guidance meant a lot to us,” Jatinder said, calling it a valuable learning moment.
Call for Greater Inclusion of Associates
Jatinder Singh further appealed for more such tournaments to include a larger number of Associate nations. He said that rubbing shoulders with top teams would help bridge the skill gap and inspire the next generation of players in Oman.
“Oman players are no less than anyone. If we get consistent opportunities to play franchise cricket and big tournaments, it will benefit the boys immensely and help raise the standard of cricket back home,” he added.
Looking Ahead
With the T20 World Cup qualifiers set to take place in Oman, Jatinder expressed confidence in his squad’s readiness.
“I am very proud of this unit. The boys are ready to roar,” he said, signaling Oman’s determination to carry forward their strong showing into future tournaments.
