Pankaj Khimji, Chairman of Oman Cricket and Vice-President of the Asian Cricket Council, was invited to the International Institute of Sports Management (IISM) on March 7, 2022 to interact with the University’s Bachelors and Masters students.
IISM was the first establishment of its kind in India and has maintained its reputation as one of the finest Sports Management centers in Asia for the entirety of its existence. Based in Mumbai, its expertise in producing a long-line of professionals who are adept at adapting to the ever-changing needs of the sporting landscape is well-known.
The stream of Sports Management too has increased in value over the past decade. Whether it is a nuanced understanding of sporting law, the science of sponsorship negotiation or the know-how needed to market a brand or product, its curriculum promises to equip all undertakers with the knowledge needed to successfully deal with real-world challenges in the sporting sphere.
In a 150-minute session with the students of IISM, Pankaj Khimji provided some invaluable insight into the world of sports administration along with some of his personal anecdotes and experiences from working to increase the shine of the global spotlight on Oman Cricket over the past decade.
Oman Cricket’s highlights in the recent past include gaining official T20 and ODI statuses from the ICC, qualifying to participate in the 2016 T20 World Cup in India and becoming the only associate nation to host and take part in one in 2021.
The qualification round for the 2022 T20 WC was also held in the country – a testament to the facilities, hospitality and professionalism on offer, and further evidence of the sport’s holistic development in the Sultanate. Pankaj Khimji’s role in all of these achievements cannot be overstated.
Speaking on the overall IISM experience, he said, “It was brilliant. Both my father and I caught the cricketing bug while completing our education in Mumbai, so the city has a special place in my heart. Speaking of IISM, I have always admired their work and track record of success. I remember back in the day, there was no definitive curriculum dedicated to sports management.
“The fact that it exists today, and that such a reputed institute is helping propel the entire field forward is wonderful to see. Honestly, an affirmative response for their invitation to share my experiences with Oman Cricket was a no brainer. I thank them for the opportunity and wish all the students the very best of luck,” he added.
Without doubt the interaction at IISM was an enriching one for all parties involved, with the students gaining a deeper understanding of the ins and outs of sports management at the highest level.
Get the latest cricket news here and like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.