'Another game for us, we don't think we are going to play someone extraordinary' - Oman skipper Aqib Ilyas ahead of Australia clash

"Once you step into the field, there is no big name," said Ilyas.

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Aqib Ilyas
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Aqib Ilyas. (Photo Source: ICC)

In an impassioned and self-assured pre-match press conference on the eve of Oman's T20 World Cup 2024 clash against Australia, marking their first encounter in the tournament which commenced a few days prior, Oman's skipper, Aqib Ilyas, articulated his perspective. He asserted that once a player steps onto the field, the stature of renowned names becomes irrelevant; no one is superior. This is the mindset he urged his teammates to adopt when facing the formidable Australian side. 

While making it unequivocally clear that his remarks were not intended to be disrespectful towards a team with a storied history of success in cricket, Ilyas emphasized that neither he nor the management had made any special mention of their high-profile opponents. Instead, he motivated his players to confront the challenge head-on, specifically encouraging them to aggressively target bowlers like Mitchell Starc. He envisioned the acclaim and recognition they would receive if they managed to disrupt the Australians, thus constantly inspiring them to embrace a fearless approach.

Also Read: James Anderson providing inspiration for Oman veteran Bilal Khan

"Once you step into the field, there is no big name, there is no one bigger than you at the field. It's another game for us and we don't think that we are going to play someone extraordinary," stated Ilyas, in the pre-match press conference.

Imagine someone taking on Starc...how much highlight he'll get: Ilyas

Ilyas also shed light on how they have prepared themselves for the clash, without burdening players unnecessarily. He highlighed the positive nature of Oman management who have kept the team away from the noise of the big game, making it look like just another encounter.
"I don't have to go and tell them as a captain that you're going to face [Mitchell] Starc. Already, it comes to your mind when you're  playing some top bowlers or top cricketers. So, it's been very positive from the management [and] also from the coach, he said we don't even take their names - it's just a team that's come and still they're at the same level as what we're  doing. We've  also qualified, they've also qualified, one team's  going to be the champion, so it doesn't make much difference, though we respect them [and] what they have [done] in the past. That's why they are named as world champions. No doubt there are big names, but [to] our boys, what I say is if they take on Starc tomorrow, imagine someone taking on Starc or any of the top bowlers, how much highlight he will get," added Ilyas.

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T20 World Cup 2024AustraliaOmanAqib IlyasICC T20 World Cup