Oman to Disburse Payment to Players Following ICC Clarifications

Oman Cricket (OC) has announced that the prize money due to its players will be disbursed soon, following clarifications from the International Cricket Council (ICC). The amount of USD 225,000 is owed to the players for their participation in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024.

Background

The issue began with the walkout of 11 senior players, including then captain Aqib Ilyas and former skipper Zeeshan Maqsood, in October 2024. The players withdrew from national duty hours before Oman's campaign at the ACC Men's T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup.

Disciplinary Action

The OC Board took disciplinary action against the 11 players, terminating their central contracts and barring them from all national and domestic cricket until further notice. The decision was in line with the players' contractual obligations, which the board emphasized they had clearly breached.

New Leadership, New Momentum

Following the withdrawals, a new squad was assembled under Jatinder Singh. The revamped team has regrouped and Oman have won nine out of 11 matches in the ongoing ICC World Cup League 2.

Investigation and Reforms

OC has constituted a special internal committee to investigate the communication gap around the prize money and to recommend a more robust, transparent structure for tournament-based remunerations and player engagement ahead.

Quote from OC Chairman Pankaj Khimji

"The players had every right to seek clarity, and we were transparent about the timelines involved. But to walk out at the last moment – just hours before representing the nation – was not only irresponsible, but it was also an insult to the entire team, the coaching staff, the board, and most importantly, the nation they were supposed to serve."