The exceptional achievement of Oman's senior cricket team in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier Final has sparked widespread enthusiasm. Fans, families, members of the Oman Cricket board, and officials from the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth gathered at Muscat International Airport well past midnight on Monday to welcome the champions of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier Final.

In a thrilling final match held at the TU ground in Kirtipur on Sunday, Oman secured victory over the host nation, Nepal, in a super over, clinching the T20 World Cup 2024 qualifier with a flawless record in front of nearly 35,000 local supporters.

This title win, combined with the qualification for the T20 World Cup for the third time under the leadership of head coach Duleep Mendis, ignited a profound sense of national pride and celebration. The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth organized a reception for the national heroes at the VIP lounge on Monday night, a space typically reserved for foreign dignitaries.

The welcome committee at the airport was led by Hisham Al Sinani, the director-general of the sports ministry, along with Oman Cricket (OC) vice-chairman Paul Sheridan, OC secretary Madhu Jesrani, OC treasurer Alkesh Joshi, OC board members Kiran Asher and Syed Anwar Ahsan, as well as numerous fans and family members.

Duleep Mendis, the legendary Sri Lankan cricketer and coach, expressed his immense satisfaction and pride upon his arrival at the airport. Mendis led Oman to all three T20 World Cups, a remarkable achievement shared by only a few coaches.

Oman's captain, Zeeshan Maqsood, who currently holds the World No.7 spot in the ICC ODI all-rounders list, expressed his joy at the team's qualification and the remarkable unbeaten journey to claim the trophy. He commended his exceptional team and their victories over Nepal in front of thousands of enthusiastic spectators.

Oman Cricket (OC) chairman Pankaj Khimji expressed his delight at the team's success, describing the final as one of the most thrilling he had witnessed. He emphasized that Oman's victory was well-deserved and credited the players and support staff for their outstanding performance.

The support of His Highness Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said, the Minister of Culture, Sports, and Youth, was acknowledged as crucial to the team's success in the Asia Qualifier Final and qualification for the T20 World Cup.

Aqib Ilyas, Oman's vice-captain and Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Asia Qualifier Final, shared his elation at qualifying for the World Cup, emphasizing his journey back to competitive cricket after an injury hiatus.

Long-serving OC secretary Madhu Jesrani celebrated the team's incredible achievement and looked forward to their preparations for future tournaments, including the 2024 T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies.

OC treasurer Alkesh Joshi attributed the team's success to their collective efforts and highlighted the strategic changes that contributed to their remarkable journey, including reaching the Super Six stage at the ICC ODI World Cup Qualifiers and winning the Gulf Cup T20 title. He praised head coach Duleep Mendis and the entire OC administration, acknowledging the relentless support of the sports ministry and the strong backing of H.H. Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham.