MUSCAT, Sept 27
As the Sultanate is getting ready for the first ever hosting of Twenty 20 World Cup cricket, Oman Cricket has signed some multi-sponsorship agreements with a host of companies on Monday.
The sponsorship agreements were signed at the Oman Cricket Academy, Al Amerat with Oman LNG, Oman Telecommunications, Oman India Fertiliser Company, Jindal Iron & Steel, SOHAR Port and Freezone and Sohar Aluminum.
The agreements are related to Oman hosting the first round of the seventh edition ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021.
Chief guests Abdulsalam al Murshidi, Minister of Oman Investment Authority, and Basil bin Ahmed al Rawas – Undersecretary of Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, were present at the event along with Oman Cricket Chairman Pankaj Khimji, who signed the deals on behalf of Oman Cricket.
Dr Amor al Mataani – CEO of Oman LNG Development Foundation, Aladdin Abdullah Hassan Baitfadhil, Vice President, Consumer, Oman Telecommunications, Khalid Mohammed al Fanah – Corporate Sustainability Manager, OMIFCO, Sanjay Anand – COO and Head- Jindaal Shadeed Iron and Steel LLC, Ahmed al Musalmi – CEO, Sohar International LLC, Omar bin Mahmood al Mahrizi – CEO – SOHAR Free zone / Deputy CEO – SOHAR Port and Ayad Ali al Balushi – Chairman, Sohar Aluminum LLC were present as the signing authorities of the respective sponsors.
Pankaj Khimji, Chairman, Oman Cricket Board, said, “The ICC T20 World Cup 2021 is one of the major events hosted in Oman and will be extremely instrumental in gaining recognition for the sport in our country. Striking Sponsorship with leading companies will only help us put for the best for our participants and viewers of the game.”
The OC chief also thanked the different sponsors for their support in hosting the prestigious tournament in Oman.
The T20 World Cup will be hosted by the BCCI in Oman and the United Arab Emirates from October 17.
Seasoned campaigner Zeeshan Maqsood will lead Oman in the tournament.
Oman will take on Papua New Guinea in their first match on October 17.
TOP TEST
Top test for Oman will be against Bangladesh, the top ranking team in Group B, on October 19.
The hosts wrap up their group proceedings with another tough test against Scotland on October 21.
In run-up to the World Cup, Oman are hosting ICC World Cricket League 2 series.
In the first tri-series involving Oman, USA and Nepal from September 13 to 20, Oman came on top by winning three out of four matches.
Oman also stretched their lead to 22 points from 14 matches. USA are a distant second with 14 points from 16 games followed by Scotland at 9 from 8.
The tournament is a qualification round to the ICC World Cup 2023.
In the second tri-series now underway, Oman thrashed World Cup group mates PNG on Sunday by eight wickets.
On Tuesday, the Sultanate team will take on another World Cup group mates Scotland in a crunch match.
