Muscat: Former Indian captain Anil Kumble has praised Oman cricket for their remarkable rise in world cricket after they earned the ODI status.

The spin great along with former Sri Lankan batting superstar Mahela Jayawardene is in Muscat to attend the 40th anniversary celebrations of Oman Cricket.

Speaking in an interview with The Arabian Stories, the spin legend also urged Oman cricket to play more games and introduce exchange programmes to strengthen the standards. “They (Oman) have set a benchmark and that’s wonderful. I am amazed at their remarkable rise in cricket. But they should continue that momentum. What they need to do is to play more games and also have exchange programmes with countries such India and Sri Lanka,” Kumble said.

“Football is the national game here but I am told cricket is way too popular here in Oman. That’s the advantage for Oman cricket team,” he said.

Kumble also asked Oman to emulate Afghanistan cricket. “Look at the way Afghanistan has turned their fortunes. It’s phenomenal. I think Oman should emulate that,” he said.

Speaking about the new rules and technology in cricket, Kumble, who is regarded as India’s greatest bowler had this to say: “Cricket is changing so are the rules. Rules are set to respect and create values. It’s all about how you as a player approach it and value it.”

At 619 test wickets to his credit, Kumble was the first Indian bowler and third in the world to hit the 600-wicket milestone.

Bowling, Kumble said is “all about strategy” and that he usually went with his “gut feeling”, rather than playing it safe. He also said that attitude and body language was key. “If someone is watching a game on TV, they should not be able to tell the score by looking at the players. Whether you are at 50 for five, or 200 for no loss, your body language should be the same,” he added.

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