Thursday 15 / May / 2025
Bridgetown, Barbados: The rhythmic beats of Caribbean Calypso greeted teams and fans alike as they descended upon Bridgetown airport, signalling the commencement of the highly anticipated 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Co-hosted by the West Indies and the USA, this spectacle promises unparalleled excitement and fierce competition on the global cricketing stage.
As travellers set foot on Barbadian soil, they were welcomed by towering cutouts honouring cricket legends like Garfield Sobers from Barbados, serving as a glorious reminder of the nation’s rich cricketing heritage. The atmosphere is electric, with anticipation hanging thick in the air, accompanied by the cool breeze and lush greenery characteristic of the Caribbean.
From the moment of arrival, it is evident that cricket fever has gripped the island. Taxi drivers and hotel staff alike echoed a single sentiment: “Welcome to the T20 World Cup!” Such is the fervour that permeates every corner of Barbados, where cricket is not just a sport but a way of life.
The World Cup got underway on June 1 with an exhilarating clash between USA and Canada at the Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium in Dallas, USA.
Meanwhile, the iconic Kensington Oval in Bridgetown stood ready to host Group B matches, featuring a diverse lineup of teams including Oman, Namibia, and Scotland, alongside cricketing powerhouses like England, the defending champions, and former winners Australia.
For Oman, led by the Sri Lankan great Duleep Mendis, this tournament marks a significant milestone as he leads the nation to the third T20 World Cup.
Reflecting on past campaigns, Oman have shown flashes of brilliance, notably securing historic victory over Ireland in 2016 and then in 2021, they began their campaign with a win over Papua New Guinea in Muscat. So far, Oman have played six games and recorded two victories but failed to advance from the preliminary stage.
However, the team’s sights are set firmly on this edition, which is being played in a new format with the tournament expanded to 20 teams and teams directly pooled in four groups.
Oman are buoyed by their early arrival in Barbados to acclimatise to the conditions and the players are in good shape as they had their final practice session at the main venue on Saturday afternoon just before heavy rains lashed Bridgetown.
Mendis said on the eve of the opening game that his team is “ready”.
“We arrived here early to acclimatise and we are happy with the preparations. We hope for a winning start. The boys are ready to put in their best foot forward,” said Mendis.
With fans from across the world arriving in hordes, Times of Oman spoke to a couple of fans from Britain.
Thomas Eliott, a fan from Manchester, on his arrival at the Bridgetown airport on Friday said” “It is great to see younger nations like Oman take part in the World Cup. As they are in England’s pool, I did check about the team. There have been few good performances by Oman in recent times, and I feel they are the dark horse in Group B that comprises defending champions, England, Australia, Namibia, and Scotland.”
Mary Kingston, a nurse from London, whose dream of witnessing the T20 World Cup in the vibrant setting of the West Indies is all set to be realised as she got approval from her work for two weeks, said: “I would love to see a few upsets in the World Cup, and I feel Oman has the potential to do it.”
With confidence running high, Oman eagerly anticipate a winning start in their opening match against Namibia, a team they have bested in recent games.
As the countdown for Oman begins for their third T20 World Cup appearance, all eyes turn to Bridgetown, where the Men in Red prepare to showcase their mettle on cricket’s grandest stage. The stage is set for an enthralling journey filled with passion, skill, and the unbridled spirit of cricket.
