Oman have officially locked in their plans for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, naming a 15-member squad that will be led by experienced opener Jatinder Singh, with wicketkeeper-batter Vinayak Shukla appointed as vice-captain.
The Asian side will be making their fourth appearance at the global tournament and will once again look to punch above their weight on the big stage. The 2026 edition, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, presents a stiff challenge for Oman, who have been drawn into Group B alongside Australia, Sri Lanka, Ireland and Zimbabwe.
A new-look squad with notable omissions
The biggest talking point from Oman’s announcement is the absence of Aamir Kaleem, the 43-year-old allrounder who was among their better performers during the Asia Cup earlier this year. Kaleem even featured in the World Cup qualifiers, making his omission one of the more surprising calls by the selectors.
In contrast, Oman have opted to freshen up their squad, making five changes from the team that featured in the Asia Cup. The selectors have shown faith in a mix of proven performers and emerging talent as they prepare for conditions in the subcontinent.
Jatinder at the helm
There is little debate over Jatinder Singh’s importance to Omani cricket. The opener is the team’s most experienced T20I player and remains their highest run-scorer in the format. Having missed out on the previous T20 World Cup, Jatinder now gets the opportunity to lead his side on the biggest stage, a role that underlines his standing within the squad.
Vinayak Shukla, named as his deputy, adds stability to the middle order and brings leadership experience behind the stumps.
Fresh faces and added depth
Allrounders Wasim Ali, Karan Sonavale and Jay Odedra have been included to strengthen Oman’s balance, while pace options Shafiq Jan and Jiten Ramanandi add depth to the bowling attack. Several of these players impressed during the T20 World Cup qualifiers, earning their place through consistent performances.
Shafiq Jan, in particular, continues his rapid rise after making his Oman debut in the Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament earlier this year.
Road to the World Cup
Oman booked their place at the T20 World Cup through the ICC Asia-EAP Qualifier, finishing second behind Nepal. Their campaign will begin against Zimbabwe on 9 February in Colombo, a fixture that could prove crucial in determining their progress in a highly competitive group.
Facing the likes of Australia and Sri Lanka will test Oman’s depth and resilience, but the side will be hoping that early momentum and fearless cricket can help them spring a few surprises.
Oman squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
Jatinder Singh (capt), Vinayak Shukla (vice-capt), Mohammad Nadeem, Shakeel Ahmad, Hammad Mirza, Wasim Ali, Karan Sonavale, Faisal Shah, Nadeem Khan, Sufyan Mehmood, Jay Odedra, Shafiq Jan, Ashish Odedra, Jiten Ramanandi, Hasnain Ali Shah.
With leadership clarity, renewed squad depth and valuable tournament experience behind them, Oman now turn their focus to preparation as the countdown to the T20 World Cup 2026 begins.
