Muscat: Oman will be hosting the ICC Cricket World Cup Trophy on August 27, which will be brought in Muscat on a two-day tour. This will make Oman the first country in the Middle East to host the trophy.

Pankaj Khimji, senior OC Board member and Oman’s voice at ICC said, “It’s a great honour for the country that International Cricket Council has chosen Oman to showcase the historic World Cup trophy in the region as part of its worldwide tour. Oman Cricket (OC) not only sees this development as an important milestone for the country but a recognition of the Sultanate emerging as one of the fastest growing cricket nations in the region.”

Khimji said that the National team’s achievements and a series of great performances in international tournaments in recent years also played a major part in attracting global attention. “The World Cup Trophy coming to Muscat now presents the people of Oman, particularly schoolchildren, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to not only see the trophy live, but to also hold it,” added Pankaj.

The trophy will arrive at Muscat International Airport on August 27 and will be taken to the office of Sheikh Saad bin Mohammed Al Mardhouf Al Saadi, Minister of Sports Affairs, before making an appearance at some of the most important and historic places in the capital city.

The first day’s activities will culminate with a grand reception at the Al Amerat Cricket grounds. The trophy will be carried to the ground by Royal Oman Police horsewomen and presented to the Minister of Sports. The Royal Navy of Oman band will play the national anthem followed by cultural songs. School children and local teams will also have a rare opportunity to be photographed with the trophy.

“The World Cup Trophy coming to Oman is an important happening in the buildup to the event that will be held in England next year. This historic development will inspire a lot of young people, going a long way towards attracting more schoolchildren to the game,” said Madhu Jesrani, Secretary Oman Cricket.

Madhu thanked the Ministry of Sports, Royal Oman Police, Muscat Municipality and all the local authorities involved in the arrangements for their support to Oman Cricket, the game’s governing body in the Sultanate.

The Trophy will be taken to the office of His Highness Sayyed Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, Minister of Culture and Heritage and Patron of Oman Cricket, the next morning before making an appearance at the popular Oman Avenues Mall for a full public view, interactive session and photo shoots from 11 am to 3.30 pm.

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