Wednesday 16 / April / 2025
MUSCAT: In a significant step forward for women's cricket in Oman, the Oman Cricket Academy (OCA) Girls Under-15 team embarked on a four-match T20 tour in Dubai, UAE, on Monday.
The 14-member team are scheduled to participate in the Root Academy Tournament at the prestigious Sevens Stadium from April 15 to 18.
The tour kicked off on Tuesday, with Oman girls facing South Island Girls in the opening fixture. This will be followed by three more matches on successive days — against North Jersey Girls, Desert Vipers, and a yet-to-be-confirmed opponent.
The 15-member squad includes promising talents such as Aanya Kapil Sankla, Amishi Sarkar, Aneeka Ashik, Devananda Jithin, Disha Pradeep Kumar, Harnoor Kaur, Haya Rahamath, Katharine Treesa Binu, Kavya Nirav Damania, Kushi Cherish Muthukumari Egodagamage, Pia Sharma, Radhika Vatrana, Sahana Jeelany, and Tanya Amit Kirti.
OCA girls U15 coach Sultan Ahmed expressed optimism in the team’s potential and the importance of such tours for the development of women’s cricket in Oman. He said: “It’s a great opportunity for young girls, allowing them to express themselves and showcase their talent. They have been playing domestic cricket in Oman, and this opportunity allows them to challenge themselves in away conditions.”
He further highlighted the balanced composition of the squad. “Our team is balanced - we have a strong batting lineup with the majority being all-rounders, along with impressive spin bowling options as well,” said Ahmed, former Oman skipper.
One of the standout names in the squad is Sahana Jeelany, who has already represented Oman at the senior national level. Sultan sees this as a sign of things to come. He said: “Sahana is part of the national women’s team and I’m very confident that in the future, other girls in this squad have the potential to play at the senior level by learning from such experiences and tours.”
The coach also stressed the value of exposure through international tours. “This tour will provide these girls further exposure and experience in playing competitive cricket,” said Ahmed.
Many of the players - Radhika, Katharine, Aneeka, Devananda, Amishi, and Pia - are products of the Oman Cricket Academy, an encouraging sign for the grassroots development of the women’s game in the Sultanate of Oman.
“We, as a team, are looking forward to having a pleasant and enriching week ahead,” added the coach.
This tour represents a key step in Oman’s growing efforts to support and nurture women cricketers. With backing from Oman Cricket and ongoing development at the academy level, initiatives like this Dubai tour are helping lay the foundation for a brighter future for women's cricket in the country.
