Tuesday 16 / December / 2025
MUSCAT: Cricket fever has descended on Oman as the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Trophy makes a glittering stop in the capital.
Fans have a rare chance to get up close to the iconic prize, as the excitement of the world’s premier T20 championship comes to their doorstep.
On Wednesday, December 17, the trophy will be on public display at Oman Avenues Mall from 3:00pm to 4:30pm, before moving to the Oman Cricket Academy in Al Amerat from 6:00pm to 9:00pm.
Cricket enthusiasts will be able to capture memories with the coveted prize, celebrating Oman’s achievements on the global cricket stage.
Beyond public viewings, the trophy is embarking on an exclusive photo tour of Oman’s top tourism landmarks to promote the Sultanate as a vibrant travel destination.
The Royal Opera House Muscat, Al Mirani Fort, Qurum Beach at sunset, Across the Ages Museum, and the breathtaking Jabal Akhdar will provide spectacular backdrops for official shoots, blending the glamour of cricket with Oman’s rich culture, natural beauty, and modern infrastructure.
Oman, coached by Duleep Mendis, has qualified for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup for the fourth time, marking their second consecutive appearance and making them the Associate Asian nation with the most tournament participations.
The team is drawn into Group B, alongside Australia, co-hosts Sri Lanka, Ireland, and Zimbabwe, setting up high-profile clashes and a chance to shine on the global stage.
The tournament, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, 2026, will feature 20 teams across four groups battling it out in 55 high-octane matches.
The opening day promises thrilling action with India vs USA in Mumbai, Pakistan vs Netherlands in Colombo, and West Indies vs Bangladesh in Kolkata.
Matches will be played across eight stadiums in India and Sri Lanka – The Narendra Modi Stadium (Ahmedabad), MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chennai), Arun Jaitley Stadium (New Delhi), Wankhede Stadium (Mumbai), Eden Gardens (Kolkata), R. Premadasa Stadium (Colombo), Singhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground (Colombo) and Pallekele International Cricket Stadium (Kandy).
Phase I ticket sales are already live from December 11, starting at just INR 100 ($1.11) in India and LKR 1000 ($3.26) in Sri Lanka, giving fans worldwide a chance to secure their place at this landmark 10th edition of the T20 World Cup.
More than 2 million tickets will go on sale in the first phase, with Phase II ticket sales set to be announced soon.
The 2026 tournament will be played using the same format as the 2024 event, with the 20 teams placed into four different groups of five sides ahead of the Super Eights phase that will include the top two finishers from each group.
The Super Eights will feature two groups of four sides, with the top two finishers from each group then progressing to the knockout semi-finals.
