Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has called for serious introspection after Oman finished their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign as the tournament’s lowest-performing side.
Oman endured a difficult run in the competition, struggling to find rhythm with both bat and ball. Their campaign was marked by inconsistent performances, missed opportunities and a lack of finishing strength in crucial moments.
Reacting to their disappointing exit, Pathan stressed that improvement in results must be the immediate priority. He highlighted the need for better planning, stronger execution under pressure and improved bench strength to compete at the global level.
“Oman has potential, but results have to improve,” Pathan remarked, suggesting that international tournaments demand not just participation but competitive intent. He also pointed toward the importance of domestic structure, player development and exposure to higher-quality cricket.
Oman’s campaign reflected the challenges faced by emerging cricketing nations — balancing growth with performance expectations. While they have shown glimpses of promise in past tournaments, this edition exposed gaps in consistency and adaptability.
With the World Cup now behind them, Oman’s focus is likely to shift toward rebuilding strategies and strengthening their core squad ahead of upcoming international fixtures.
