Oman Cricket eyes $2 million upgrade for its T20 World Cup venue

NEW DELHI: Oman Cricket, expected to host the initial matches of the T20 World Cup which will act as qualifier for the main draw, has a task at hand as it looks to upgrade its facilities within three months after the Indian cricket board took its time to announce its inability to host the mega tournament on its soil.

The initial matches reportedly involves eight teams — Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Netherlands, Scotland, Namibia, Oman and Papua New Guinea - who could be divided into two groups. Matches involving one group (with Oman in it) or even both groups could be hosted at Muscat's Al Amerat Cricket Stadium, which will be handed over by Oman Cricket to the International Cricket Council (ICC) on October 1.

"The estimated cost of upgradation will be $2 million and it will be undertaken by Oman Cricket. It (getting T20 World Cup and playing in it) is beyond our dreams. We are looking to host at least six matches," said MadhuJesrani, the secretary of Oman Cricket, to IANS.

The ground, at the moment, is very basic with no stands and even the floodlights are not of high standard.

"As per ICC requirements, we need to have four dressing rooms. We only have two at the moment. We will build two more. That apart, we will have to upgrade the lighting to 2500 lux LED from 1100 lux," added Jesrani who added that a TV tower for shooting and a commentary box will be set up on a scaffolding.

The ground will need a scoreboard and a live TV screen.

According to those who have seen it, the venue is very basic at the moment and looks more of a club ground. There are no seating arrangements for crowds.

The association is looking forward to accommodating 3,000 to 4,000 fans.

"At the moment, there is no facility for the crowd. We are looking to build a grandstand with a crowd capacity of 2,000-3,000 fans. That apart, there will be hospitality box/boxes with a capacity of 1000," added Jesrani.

The ICC refused to disclose details of how many matches will be held in Oman and in UAE, which is expected to hold the latter stages involving big teams. (IANS)

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