Aqib Ilyas – A Cancer Survivor

Experienced all-rounder Aqib Ilyas has taken over as captain as Oman announced their 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup tournament in USA and West Indies.

Ilyas will lead a squad that boasts both experienced campaigners and World Cup rookies, such as Kashyap Prajapati, Ayaan Khan Shoaib Khan Mohammad Nadeem Naseem Khushi Mehran Khan Bilal Khan.

He was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 19

Though he’s been struggling with cancer, Ilyas has made his mark as an integral member of Oman since 2015 and one of their most experienced players. A right-handed top-order batsman who bowls off-spin, Ilyas recently led Oman to its inaugural ever ODI win against Ireland at the ICC World Cup Qualifiers 2023 qualifiers in Zimbabwe; though much attention was drawn towards skipper Zeeshan Maqsood’s 59 run knock, his vital contributions helped Oman achieve their target of 282. A win like this would certainly boost morale amongst any team and increase morale further than before!

He returned to cricket

Aqib Ilyas was chosen as captain of Oman for the 2023 Men’s Gulf T20I Cricket Championship, taking over from Zeeshan Maqsood. A left-arm spinner, Ilyas will support an existing group of all-rounders within his squad.

Ilyas led Oman to their maiden ODI victory against Afghanistan A in September and believes the experience will serve them well as they head into competition. “I’m very excited about being Oman captain for this tournament,” he stated, adding, “We have some fantastic players here who I believe can compete and hopefully, together we will play some exciting cricket!”

Oman’s expected batting line-up should include Jatinder Singh and Kashyap Prajapati at the top, followed by Naseem Khushi and Mohammad Nadeem, Ilyas as number seven batsperson with wicketkeeper Pratik Athavale and Ayaan Khan acting as backup options.

Oman’s bowling attack will be led by fast bowler Bilal Khan, with support coming from Kaleemullah and Fayyaz Butt as fast bowlers and Ilyas (left arm orthodox) and Zeeshan Maqsood (legspin). They all add variety.

He is now captain of Oman

Aqib Ilyas will lead Oman at the T20 World Cup being hosted in West Indies and USA later this month. He replaces Zeeshan Maqsood as their national team captain and will lead them through one of the toughest groups in history.

Oman cricket team boasts extensive experience in T20 format cricket and should advance at least to the quarter-finals. Aqib Ilyas is among the team’s most seasoned players, having featured both as batsman and bowler over time; he also featured for Oman national side two ODIs and seven T20Is.

Oman will begin their campaign against Namibia at Kensington Oval in Barbados on June 2, joining reigning champions England, Australia, and Scotland in Group B.

Kashyap Prajapati, Mohammad Nadeem, Naseem Khushi and Ayaan Khan will provide vital top-order support. Bilal Khan is known for his yorkers while left-arm spinners Ilyas and Zeeshan will add their skills as left-arm spinners.

On Monday at Trinidad’s Queen’s Park Oval in a rain-affected warm-up match against Afghanistan, Oman scored 154-3 before the weather prevented their reply from beginning. Ilyas led his side in scoring with 66 off 48 balls; now looking forward to building on that score during tournament play.

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