Ilyas was announced as the captain in the team’s squad reveal, while former skipper Zeeshan Maqsood retained his spot in the lineup. Aged 36, Ilyas had previously served as deputy to Sultan Ahmed during Oman’s T20 World Cup debut in 2016 and led the team in the 2021 edition, which they co-hosted with UAE.
“I am deeply honored to be appointed as the captain,” Aqib said. “It’s a significant responsibility, and I am determined to lead the team to success. We are undergoing intensive preparation for the World Cup, and our recent participation in the ACC Premier Cup has been invaluable.”
The majority of the squad that reached the final of the recent ACC Premier Cup has been retained, with eight members from the 2021 T20 World Cup squad included for the 2024 campaign. The bowling attack will once again be led by left-arm yorker specialist Bilal Khan, supported by bowlers like Kaleemullah, Fayyaz Butt, and left-arm orthodox spinner Shakeel Ahmad. Although relatively new to the team, Shakeel joins all-rounders Aqib and Zeeshan in Oman’s spin department.
𝐎𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐂𝐂 𝐌𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐓𝟐𝟎 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐂𝐮𝐩 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒! 🇴🇲🏆🏏
Oman have achieved a remarkable feat stating consistency qualifying for the third time in the last 4 editions of the @T20WorldCup! 🌟🏆
Cheer the #RedArmy in their… pic.twitter.com/Pc1K3sd95t
— Oman Cricket (@TheOmanCricket) November 3, 2023
In terms of batting, Kashyap Prajapati and Naseem Khushi are likely to bat at No.3 and No.4 respectively, ahead of Aqib and Zeeshan. Wicket-keeper batter Pratik Athavale and Ayaan Khan are expected to bat lower down the order.
Opener Jatinder Singh and Samay Shrivastav did not find a place in the squad.
Oman T20 World Cup 2024 squad
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, Khalid Kail. Reserves: Jatinder Singh, Samay Shrivastava, Sufyan Mehmood, Jay Odedra
All teams have the flexibility to make adjustments to their squad until May 25th. After this date, any changes will need approval from the ICC’s Event Technical Committee.