GRAND WELCOME IN STORE AS ICONIC ICC CRICKET WORLD CUP TROPHY ARRIVES TODAY IN MUSCAT
MUSCAT: With an air of anticipation and excitement the Sultanate of Oman gears up to receive the coveted ICC Cricket World Cup Trophy today for a two-day eventful tour.
The occasion marks the first time in Oman that a World Cup trophy will be visiting the country and a befitting welcome is planned.
Apart from appearing at some of the capital’s most iconic places, the ICC trophy will visit the two most well-known supporters of the game in Oman, Shaikh Saad bin Mohammed Al Mardhouf Al Saadi, Minister of Sports Affairs, and His Highness Sayyid Haitham bin Tareq al Said, Minister of Culture and Heritage and Patron-in-chief of Oman Cricket.
Cricket fans are eagerly awaiting the once-in-a-lifetime experience of seeing and holding the trophy in their hands.
“Elaborate arrangements have been made and festivities planned by Oman Cricket with the help and support of Ministry of Sports Affairs, Royal Oman Police, Royal Navy of Oman, Muscat Municipality and other public and private institutions to make it a memorable occasion for everyone,” said Pankaj Khimji, senior Board member, Oman Cricket.
Things will begin to happen the moment cricket’s most prestigious trophy lands at Muscat International Airport where the top management of Oman Cricket, led by OC Chairman Kanak Khimji, and local dignitaries will be present to welcome it and the accompanying ICC officials.
“The trophy will begin its journey by heading straight to the office of the Minister of Sports Affairs before making an appearance at some of the city’s most historic and important places. National Museum of Oman, Royal Palace, Forts Jalali, Mirani and Muttrah as well as Royal Opera House Muscat are scheduled to receive the ICC trophy,” Pankaj added.
“Al Amerat’s picturesque cricket grounds will host the grand welcome amid a host of festivities that are sure to enthrall a large crowd expected there. The horse-mounted officials of Royal Oman Police will bring the ICC Cricket World Cup Trophy to the ground amid lovely music played by the ROP Band. Oman’s National Anthem will be played before the official ceremony. Some of Oman players and officials who participated in ICC World Cup Qualifier will then present the trophy to the Minister of Sports before Royal Navy of Oman’s cultural troupe entertains everyone with a series of colourful performances,” explained Madhu Jesrani, Secretary Oman Cricket, while sharing the details.
“We welcome everyone to come in great numbers and witness the grand occasion and be photographed with the Trophy. There will be plenty of fun and food stalls for everyone to enjoy,” he said.
The ICC Trophy will be taken to the office of His Highness Sayyid Haitham bin Tareq al Said, Minister of Culture and Heritage and Patron of Oman Cricket, the next morning before making an appearance at the popular Oman Avenues Mall for a full public view, interactive session and photo shoots from 11 am to 4 pm. This will mark the culmination of an eventful tour sure to leave a long trail of unforgettable memories.
PANKAJ KHIMJI Senior Board member, Oman Cricket