MUSCAT: Oman is set to host the Kerala cricket team for an upcoming high-profile tournament, underscoring the Sultanate’s growing role as a regional hub for international sports. The event will bring together some of Kerala’s top domestic players, including newly appointed captain Saly Samson, elder brother of Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson. By welcoming Kerala’s squad, Oman aims to strengthen sporting ties with India while showcasing its world-class facilities at the Oman Cricket Academy and other venues in Muscat. This move also reflects Oman’s commitment to promoting cricket as a unifying sport in the region.
The Kerala team traveling to Oman comprises a 16-man squad featuring experienced and emerging talents. Vishnu Vinod, who has played for the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League, is expected to be one of the side’s key performers during the tour. Officials from both Kerala Cricket Association and Oman Cricket have emphasized the importance of this collaboration, noting that it provides Kerala players with exposure to international-standard pitches and conditions, while also giving Omani fans the chance to witness high-level domestic cricket from India.
Hosting the Kerala team is part of a broader initiative by Oman Cricket to elevate the country’s status as a destination for global tournaments. In recent years, Oman has successfully organized ICC events and bilateral series, earning praise for its infrastructure, hospitality, and efficient event management. The upcoming matches against Kerala are expected to draw crowds from Oman’s large Indian expatriate community, who have long been avid supporters of cricket and are likely to create a vibrant atmosphere at the grounds.
Sports analysts believe that Oman’s ability to host teams like Kerala signals a new era of sporting diplomacy in the Gulf. It not only strengthens cultural and people-to-people ties between Oman and India but also gives local cricketers the opportunity to learn from seasoned professionals. As both sides prepare for the tournament, anticipation is building that these encounters will serve as a stepping stone for future collaborations, cementing Oman’s reputation as a welcoming stage for international cricketing events.
