MUSCAT: Oman is ready to take centre stage once again as the Sultanate prepares to host the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia and East Asia-Pacific (EAP) Qualifier at the world-class Oman Cricket Academy (OCA) grounds in Al Amerat from October 8 to 17.

Over ten action-packed days, nine nations — Oman, Nepal, the UAE, Papua New Guinea (PNG), Samoa, Kuwait, Qatar, Malaysia, and Japan — will battle for three coveted places at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, to be held in India and Sri Lanka.

The event begins on Wednesday, October 8, with hosts Oman taking on Samoa at 10:00 am, followed by UAE meeting Qatar at 2:30 pm and Nepal facing Kuwait under lights at 7:00 pm, in a daily triple-header format across the two OCA grounds.

The competition will unfold in two stages — a Group Stage (October 8–10) followed by a Super Six Stage (October 12–17).

The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Six, and the top three at the end will secure their spots in next year’s World Cup.

Hosting the combined Asia and EAP qualifier is another milestone in Oman’s growing cricketing journey. The country has already earned global recognition for its facilities and hospitality, having co-hosted ICC T20 World Cup and other ACC events.

Alkesh Joshi, Oman Cricket Treasurer, said the tournament is a celebration of the sport’s growth and inclusivity. “As a board, we want this tournament to be a celebration for fans, which is why entry to all matches at Al Amerat will be free. We invite everyone to come and cheer for their teams,” said Joshi.

“We sincerely thank the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for their unwavering support in Oman’s cricketing journey. Hosting major ICC events elevates Oman’s status in the global sporting arena. This tournament is not just about competition — it’s a celebration of Associate cricket, proving that Oman is not just a participant but a contributor to the growth of the global game.”

Cricket fans can look forward to a tournament filled with unpredictability and passion — hallmarks of the T20 format where, as history shows, no team can be taken lightly.

Led by captain Jatinder Singh, Oman arrives on the back of valuable top-level exposure and home advantage.

Oman’s spirited performance against India in the recent Asia Cup — a chase that won plaudits despite defeat — has added belief to the hosts as they eye consecutive qualifications.

Nepal arrives fresh from a historic T20I series win over West Indies in Sharjah, while UAE showed flashes of promise during their own Asia Cup campaign.

Samoa, meanwhile, have been bolstered by the inclusion of former New Zealand star Ross Taylor, who comes out of retirement to represent his mother’s homeland, bringing invaluable experience and international pedigree to the island nation’s side.

Among the other challengers, Papua New Guinea (PNG) bring invaluable qualifier experience, having qualified for the World Cup twice earlier, while Kuwait, Malaysia, Qatar and Japan each offer a mix of seasoned performers and emerging talent; all arriving determined to make an impact. Oman, Nepal, UAE and PNG are the only nations to have featured earlier in the T20 World Cup.

As teams eye the three spots for grabs, Oman stands ready to deliver another world-class cricketing spectacle — one that reflects not only the spirit of the game but also the Sultanate’s growing reputation as a proud and capable global host.