Aqib Ilyas, batting all-rounder, has been selected as Oman’s captain for the forthcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
In the team’s squad announcement, Ilyas was named captain, while Zeeshan Maqsood, the previous captain, retained his place in the squad. In Oman’s 2016 T20 World Cup debut, the 36-year-old replaced Sultan Ahmed, and he captained the team during the 2021 tournament that they co-hosted with the United Arab Emirates.
“I am truly honoured to be entrusted with the captaincy,” Aqib said.
“It’s a huge responsibility, and I aim to lead the team to many victories. We are preparing rigorously for the World Cup, and the recent ACC Premier Cup has provided us with invaluable preparation.”
Eight members of the 2021 T20 World Cup squad are in for the 2024 push, making up the majority of the team that advanced to the final of the most recent ACC Premier Cup. The lineup for bowling will once again be led by left-arm yorker specialist Bilal Khan, who will be supported with the ball by left-arm orthodox Shakeel Ahmad and left-arm specialists Kaleemullah and Fayyaz Butt. Shakeel, although being relatively new to the team, joins Aqib and Zeeshan, two all-rounders, in Oman’s spin unit.
At No. 3 and No. 4, Kashyap Prajapati and Naseem Khushi are expected to be used at bat before Aqib and Zeeshan, with Ayaan Khan and wicket-keeper Pratik Athavale likely to be used later down while Samay Shrivastav and opener Jatinder Singh have no place in the team.
Oman squad: Aqib Ilyas (c), Zeeshan Maqsood, Kashyap Prajapati, Pratik Athavale (wk), Ayaan Khan, Shoaib Khan, Mohammad Nadeem, Naseem Khushi (wk), Mehran Khan, Bilal Khan, Rafiullah, Kaleemullah, Fayyaz Butt, Shakeel Ahmad. Reserves: Jatinder Singh, Samay Shrivastava, Sufyan Mehmood, Jay Odedra