Oman's Sufyan Mehmood books date with elites
Date
7/24/2016 1:57:38 AM
(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) The 24-year-old player has now received a special invitation from the International Cricketers Association to play two charity matches in the UK
Sufyan Mehmood is a shining example of Oman Cricket's upturn in recent years. Mehmood, the only Omani in the squad, played in the 2016 ICC T20 World Cup and the T20 Asia Cup qualifiers- tournaments that made Oman the new darlings of cricket world. The 24-year-old player has now received a special invitation from the International Cricketers Association to play two charity matches in the UK. He happens to be the only cricketer from Oman and the Gulf region to receive such a call. The poster boy of Oman Cricket feels the ICA recognition will help 'spread the game' further in the Sultanate. It will be a first for an Omani player to rub shoulders with former England fast bowler Simon Jones and former Pakistan stars Inzamam-ul-Haq and Shahid Afridi. And he sees this as a 'very good experience and a great learning curve'. The matches will be held between July 27 and August 1. Mehmood is someone who wears his heart on his sleeves. And it's no surprise that his most memorable moment was singing the national anthem during the T20 World Cup campaign in Dharamsala. "Also, the moments in Ireland when we beat Namibia to book our tickets to the ICC T20 World Cup will always remain close to my heart," the medium pacer told Khaleej Times over phone from Muscat. Oman have been recently promoted to the 50-over ICC World Cricket League Division Four after successful division five round in Jersey. "I am looking forward to more challenges. We are now focusing on Level 3. We have to climb the ladder and play in the big World Cup," he says setting ambitious but achievable targets. The right-arm bowler and left-handed batsman feels the Red Army have to keep improving and get positive results to spread the game further. "After the T20 World Cup journey more Omanis have started discussing cricket. There are many talented Omani boys in the leagues. We have the responsibility to inspire more nationals to take up this game." Mehmood feels new skipper Ajay Lalcheta is an able leader and supports everyone. "He is doing a great job." On his future goals, he says: "I am working on my batting now. I aim to become a perfect all-rounder." Oman will next participate in WCL Division Four in October.
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