Oman to strengthen cricket infrastructure with three new grounds

Oman Cricket is set to embark on its most ambitious phase of growth yet. With visiting teams and ICC officials regularly lauding its world-class infrastructure, the governing body has unveiled plans to construct three new international-standard grounds in Al Amerat, a move that signals the Sultanate’s growing status as a global cricketing hub.

The announcement was made by Oman Cricket (OC) Chairman Pankaj Khimji, who revealed that land adjacent to the current Oman Cricket Academy complex in Al Amerat has been secured for the expansion. The development comes just days before Oman hosts the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific (EAP) Qualifier 2025, beginning October 8, featuring nine participating nations.

Expanding the Al Amerat Cricket Hub

“We are very privileged and thankful to the ICC for giving us the opportunity to host another major event,” said Khimji, as he reviewed final preparations for the upcoming qualifier. “Oman has developed world-class cricket infrastructure over the years, built with a lot of blood, sweat, and tears, and with immense support from the government and private sector. We are now enjoying the fruits of that effort, but the next phase is about scaling up.”

Khimji confirmed that construction on the first of the three new grounds, informally referred to as the “third ground”, is expected to be completed by the end of next year. The remaining two will follow as part of a long-term master development plan designed to transform Al Amerat into a full-fledged cricketing campus.

“We are working on a detailed master plan that includes three new turf grounds,” Khimji explained. “The immediate focus is on completing the third ground by next year. These facilities will give us more resources to host bigger and better international tournaments in the years ahead.”

Rising Reputation on the Global Stage

Since successfully hosting matches during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021, Al Amerat has become a benchmark for Associate-level cricket infrastructure. Visiting teams have often praised Oman’s immaculate playing surfaces, practice facilities, and hospitality, features that rival many Full Member nations.

“Teams that visit Oman often tell us our grounds and infrastructure are on par with full-member nations,” Khimji noted. “That’s a tremendous compliment and motivation for us to keep improving.”

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Focus on Performance and Development

While the expansion reflects Oman’s administrative and infrastructural progress, OC officials remain equally focused on the national team’s continued improvement.

“Our objective has always been cricket, cricket, cricket,” said OC Treasurer Alkesh Joshi. “We’re less focused on commercialisation and more on building a strong, competitive team.”

Joshi, who managed the team during the recent Asia Cup, said that Oman’s spirited performance against India in that tournament boosted morale across the squad. “The boys played phenomenal cricket against India, and that performance gave them belief. If they can compete at that level, they can certainly excel at the Associate level.”

He also credited the team’s improved fitness and fielding standards to new additions to the support staff, strength and conditioning coach Shiva and physiotherapist Dr. Ashish. “The players are fitter, more alert, and more disciplined,” he added. “You can see the difference on the field.”

Eyes on World Cup Qualification

Oman will aim to qualify for the ICC T20 World Cup for the fourth time when they host the EAP Qualifier this week. Having already featured in the 2016, 2021, and 2024 editions, the national side is eager to make it two consecutive appearances.

“Oman is the only Associate nation from Asia to have played in three T20 World Cups, and we hope to make it four by qualifying at home this time,” Joshi said. “There’s no pressure, only pride. Playing at home is both an advantage and an opportunity to show what Oman can deliver, on and off the field.”

With three new grounds in the works and a growing reputation for excellence, Oman Cricket’s “Cricketing Renaissance 2.0,” as Khimji calls it, is well underway, a blend of ambition, infrastructure, and passion that’s redefining the sport’s future in the Sultanate.