Nottinghamshire, Lancashire colts train in Oman
MUSCAT: Oman’s international standard cricket facilities have started to attract foreign teams to the country and young sides from English counties Lancashire and Nottinghamshire are currently in the capital, playing practice games with local teams and soaking in the Sultanate’s rich culture that fascinates one and all.
Paul Allott, former England Test star who is now Director of Cricket, Lancashire, is leading his county’s academy side while Sachin Bajaj is heading the squad from Nottinghamshire.
“We have brought our academy side here which is the first run on the ladder of professional cricket. There are 17 to 19 yearold players, along with a couple of professionals in a small squad of eleven. It is important for our players to be practicing outside at this time of the year in February and March. They need outside practice because it is impossible to do so in England at this particular time,” Allott, who is also an eminent cricket commentator, explained.
Allott had led the academy side to Mumbai last year but chose to tour Oman on Sachin’s advice.
“I was able resurrect my relationship with Pankaj Khimji who had brought me here in 1984 along with some other English professional players to play in a memorial game against the World Cup winning Indian side,” added the former England player who played 13 Tests for his country.
He said young English players were not here just to play cricket.
“We need to educate them about other cultures and Oman is a wonderful country with a rich culture and traditions.”
Talking about cricket facilities in Oman, the Lancashire official said he was pleasantly surprised to have seen and experienced the hospitality and infrastructure in the Sultanate. Full story @ timesofoman.com/sports