New Delhi, Feb 8 (NationPress) Sufyan Mehmood has witnessed the transformation of cricket in Oman, progressing from rudimentary sand pitches and cement wickets to now boasting two state-of-the-art stadiums. As the only homegrown talent in Oman's squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Mehmood is eager to make a significant impact on cricket's grandest stage in the shortest format.

The seam-bowling all-rounder has claimed 19 wickets in 16 T20Is since the previous T20 World Cup, making him Oman's second-highest wicket-taker during this timeframe, trailing only Shakeel Ahmed's 22. Arriving early in Sri Lanka to adapt to the local climate and conditions, Oman faces a challenging yet promising Group B, which includes matches against Sri Lanka, Australia, Ireland, and Zimbabwe, as they aim to transcend mere participation.

"Indeed, it's a challenging group, but it also presents us with invaluable experience for the future. This time, we aspire to make a substantial impact in this World Cup. We are filled with optimism," Mehmood stated in an exclusive interview with IANS ahead of the major event.

Mehmood's journey to representing Oman began at the age of 17, relying on self-taught skills through watching television and online videos instead of formal coaching. He progressed through Oman's age-group teams before making his senior debut in a T20 against Hong Kong in 2015.

"It has been a long journey. I started at 17, and now at 33, I have learned a lot about myself and the sport. Competing in major tournaments alongside esteemed players has been instrumental in my growth.

"It's a journey I would require more than a short summary to describe—perhaps I could write a book about it. I feel truly fortunate to have another opportunity to participate in this World Cup and hope to make a significant impact here," he expressed.

His cricket education stemmed from observation rather than the conventional method. "I learned by watching television and online videos; I never had a dedicated coach. Over time, we had various coaches with different tenures, but I primarily learned through practice and experience," he shared.

This will mark Mehmood's third World Cup appearance, although Oman has participated in four editions. He was part of the 2016 squad that qualified for India and the 2021 tournament when Oman co-hosted the first round, before being a reserve for the 2024 edition.

"I felt a bit disappointed back then, but my passion kept me going. I always strive to perform my best, believing that hard work is rewarded. 2025 was a good year for me, and now 2026 is off to a promising start. I hope it continues well," he added.

Oman benefits from having a head coach like the legendary Duleep Mendis in Sri Lanka. "He is a renowned figure both here and globally. His understanding of the conditions is invaluable and he guides us on how to adapt quickly," Mehmood noted.

Oman's World Cup record includes two victories—against Ireland in 2016 and Papua New Guinea in 2021. Mehmood candidly discussed the team's evolving ambitions: "While we've participated in four World Cups, we only have one win against Ireland. This time, we aim to win as many games as possible and not just participate but make a significant impact in the tournament.

"In the past, participation was our focus, but now, after four tournaments, we want to leave a lasting impression,” he expressed.

Oman's close contest with India in last year's Asia Cup has provided a psychological boost. "That match instilled a lot of confidence in our team, as we were able to challenge a world champion side. If we can compete effectively against top teams, it boosts our morale tremendously," he stated.

During the 2024 World Cup, Mehmood gained valuable insights from Suryakumar Yadav. "We received plenty of advice from them, but the most impactful was to concentrate on the fundamentals and remain present during the game. Focusing on the moment rather than overthinking the past or future is crucial for performance," he said.

Mehmood's career trajectory parallels the development of Oman's cricket infrastructure. He noted, "When I started, we played on sand and mud grounds, but now we have two beautiful stadiums and top-notch facilities, all thanks to Oman's cricketing community. This improvement has accelerated player development, allowing us to cultivate talent effectively.

"Countries with strong domestic infrastructures produce better players. India exemplifies this, and we are continually striving to enhance our facilities and nurture players for the national team," he added.

Mehmood's advice for aspiring Omani cricketers emphasizes the importance of perseverance: "If you have a passion for cricket, you must persist. There will be challenges, but consistency and hard work will lead you to your goals."

Family support has been vital, with Mehmood balancing his studies alongside his cricket career. "Support from my family is invaluable, and I ensured I completed my education, which my parents emphasized was essential if I wanted to pursue cricket," he noted.

With Oman winning both warm-up matches against Sri Lanka A and Zimbabwe, they are well-prepared to make an impact in the World Cup. "If we can perform well and even cause upsets, it will be remembered fondly and serve as inspiration for the youth watching us," Mehmood concluded.