OMAN RECEIVES WORLD CUP TROPHY IN STYLE

MUSCAT: The iconic ICC Cricket World Cup Trophy arrived in Oman to a rousing welcome with a flurry of activity giving the historic tour a dream start.

Right from landing at Muscat International Airport to a busy interactive session at the office of Shaikh Saad bin Mohammed Al Mardhouf al Saadi, Minister of Sports Affairs, the ICC Trophy was the cynosure of all eyes.

Kanak Khimji, Oman Cricket Chairman, Pankaj Khimji, Senior OC Board Member, and Madhu Jesrani, OC Secretary, and other Board members extended a warm welcome to the Trophy as well as the accompanying delegation at the airport.

“Our country is focusing on promoting tourism and events like the ICC Cricket World Cup Trophy coming here will go a long way in helping Oman achieve those goals,” said Pankaj.

The Trophy was later taken straight to the Ministry of Sports Affairs in a motorcade where it was photographed and filmed by a large number of Omani media persons. ICC officials then briefed the minister about the goals and importance of the Trophy Tour.

Sultanate of Oman is the only country in the Middle East to have been included by International Cricket Council in the Trophy Tour.

“The ICC is delighted that the first stop on the ICC Cricket World Cup Trophy Tour driven by Nissan, is Oman. The Sultanate is one of eleven countries the Trophy is visiting outside of the competing teams in the most connected Trophy Tour ever,” said an ICC spokesperson.

Giving Oman Cricket credit for a well-organised Tour and interesting activities, the ICC official added: “Oman Cricket submitted an impressive proposal for the Trophy Tour which includes visits to historical Omani landmarks, engaging with the cricket community at a reception at their impressive cricket ground in Muscat and connecting with fans at the Oman Avenues Mall. The wide range of activity will help the people of Oman connect with the ICC Cricket World Cup and we would like to thank Oman Cricket for all their hard work to date.”

The ICC Trophy was later taken to some of the most historical places in the capital including National Museum of Oman, Royal Palace, Forts Jalali, Mirani and Muttrah as well as Royal Opera House Muscat.

The Trophy was set for a grand welcome reception at the picturesque grassy ground in Al Amerat where it was to be presented to the Minister of Sports Affairs in a colourful ceremony at a well-attended event.