MUSCAT– The Ramadan Cup 2026 Cricket Tournament was officially inaugurated on Tuesday at the Pakistan School Muscat ground, marking the start of a month-long sporting event organised by the Pakistan Social Club (PSC) Oman in collaboration with Pakistan School Muscat.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to Oman, His Excellency Syed Naveed Safdar Bokhari, attended as chief guest and symbolically struck the first ball to declare the tournament open. Sheikh Syed Fayyaz Ali Shah was present as guest of honour, alongside community leaders, team representatives and members of the PSC Board of Directors.

The ceremony began with a welcome by Chief Coordinator Syed Jamil Zaidi, who invited Chief Organiser Mohammed Kaleem Akhtar to escort the dignitaries to the ground. They were joined by PSC Chairman M. Nadeem Azeemi, General Secretary Kashif Zaeem, Finance Director Imran Toor and directors Usman Lakhan, Saandar Bokhari, Dr. Mazher and William John.

Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Bokhari praised the Pakistan Social Club for promoting sports, youth engagement and community cohesion among expatriates in Oman. He said such initiatives help strengthen cultural identity while fostering healthy competition and friendship.

Kaleem Akhtar, in his remarks, thanked the Embassy of Pakistan, sponsors, participating teams, volunteers and Pakistan School Muscat for their support. He said the tournament was not only about cricket but also about family entertainment and community interaction during the holy month of Ramadan, urging players to maintain discipline and sportsmanship.

Opening matches

Two group matches were played following the inauguration.

In Group B, Boom Boom ITL defeated Al Haseena Jewellers by 59 runs. After winning the toss and electing to bat, Boom Boom ITL posted 171 for four, highlighted by the tournament’s first century from Haroon, who struck 104 runs including 13 sixes and four fours. Khalil took one wicket for 18 runs in two overs for the opposition.

Al Haseena Jewellers managed 112 runs in their eight overs in reply. Usman top-scored with 51 off 18 balls, hitting six sixes and two fours. Amir led the bowling effort for Boom Boom ITL with figures of three for 22 in two overs. Haroon was named Man of the Match.

In Group C, Asfand Yaar XI registered an 88-run victory over Ravi XI. Batting first, Asfand Yaar XI scored 165 for four. Arshumand delivered an all-round performance, scoring 55 runs off 15 balls with eight sixes and one four, and later taking two wickets for 17 runs in one over. Saqib added 45 runs.

Ravi XI were restricted to 78 runs in eight overs, with Awais top-scoring with 14. Sajjad claimed two wickets for 35 runs. Arshumand was declared Man of the Match.

Matches scheduled for Feb. 26 include Mumtaz XI versus I-Cap in Group D, Muscat Luck TRD against All Brothers in Group C, and Pakistan XI facing Al Haikal A in Group C.

The Ramadan Evenings tournament will continue throughout the holy month, featuring cricket matches alongside family activities and food stalls, and is regarded as one of the flagship sporting events for the Pakistani community in Oman.

Special appreciation was extended to Mrs. Azra Aleem, Director Media of Pakistan Social Club Oman, for overseeing media arrangements, stage coordination and live commentary during the inauguration ceremony.