Oman’s captain, Jatinder Singh, has highlighted how Associate nations like Oman might begin to play like Test teams. His comments came following India’s tight 21-run defeat in Match 12 of the Asia Cup 2025. Oman’s Asia Cup 2025 campaign came to an end after three consecutive losses.
Jatinder proposed that Oman receive opportunities to train and play in India, taking advantage of the several top-tier facilities to improve their overall game.
He also suggested that Oman’s performance would improve if they could compete against local clubs and Ranji Trophy sides.
“Well, I think if we can get India coming forward, you know, letting us to make their home our home. If we can train there, go to the NCAs, train our skills, mental aspects, the fitness part, and play a lot of T20s with the club teams and Ranji teams, I think that will definitely help us and that will fill the gap. We are an Associate nation. The reality is we do not get to play with the Test-playing nations,” Jatinder was quoted as saying by India Today.
He also recommended that continental tournaments such as the Asia Cup should occur again and have an increased participation for the benefit of Associate nations like Oman. He advocated that cricketers from Oman should be given the exposure to franchise cricket.
“I think these kinds of tournaments, if it happens time and again, I think more number of Associates should be included so that they can rub shoulders and get close, fill the gap for what we have between the Test playing nations and the Associate nations. Oman players are no less to anyone. We do not get that platform to play in franchise cricket. I think if they get the platform to play in such tournaments, the boys will really benefit from it and they can bring a lot of experience back to Oman and they can train the boys accordingly,” he added.
“Overall, I am so, so pleased with the performance of each and every individual, if you start with the bowling and fielding and batting respectively. I think what we lacked initially was the partnerships which I think showed great character in the crunch game. I am so happy and proud of the unit. And now we have T20 World Cup qualifiers happening in Oman. So, the boys are ready to roar,” he concluded.
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