A catering manager by profession, Oman vice-captain Aamir Kaleem is living his dream in the ongoing 2016 World Twenty20.
Even a couple of years ago, Kaleem never thought of taking the field against a Test-playing nation as he worked eight hours everyday in a catering service provider company in Muscat, the capital of Oman.
His dream however, will turn into reality today when they face Bangladesh in the first round of the global showpiece event.
“Professionally, I am a catering manager in Muscat where I work for eight hours a day. Later, I practise in the evening. Almost all the members of the Oman team work in different professions but our love for cricket connects us together,” said Kaleem on the eve of the Bangladesh clash.
The 34-year old received good support from his office. Kaleem was allowed to take part in the sixth edition of the World T20 and he has grabbed the opportunity with both hands.
Oman created a mighty upset in their first-round opener against Ireland, registering a historic two-wicket win. Kaleem, a left-arm spinner who also bats left-handed, chipped in with his contribution, picking up a wicket and conceding only 27 runs from his quota of four overs.
And following the cancellation of their second game against the Netherlands due to rain, Oman suddenly find themselves on the verge of history as a win against the Tigers will take them through to the main round of the competition.
Irrespective of whether Oman make history or not, Kaleem said they are already national heroes back home.
“I speak with my family almost everyday. There are huge celebrations whenever our football team wins. But after our win over Ireland, people back home started to notice us. I heard that there have been huge celebrations on the roads after we beat Ireland in the first game,” he said, pride clearly visible in his eyes.
Today, Oman will be up against a huge challenge in the shape of the high-flying Tigers. Having only become an Associate side last year, they have never encountered a Full Member nation before.
Kaleem too is under no illusions with the tough task facing them.
“We never thought of reaching this stage. We never thought that we would come this far. We now have a chance to qualify for the main round of the World T20. But things changed after our win against Ireland which helped us to dream even bigger now. The confidence is there with us and you never know, we might surprise the world,” he explained.
Kaleem added that, win or lose, the Omani cricketers will be better for the Dharamsala experience.