Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have taken a major step toward strengthening their sporting collaboration, with a renewed focus on transforming cricket into a powerful platform for youth engagement and bilateral friendship. The development comes after an important meeting between Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman and Federal Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Sports, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, in Riyadh.
The discussion centred on expanding cricket cooperation under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, a strategic programme that has already reshaped the region’s sporting landscape. According to details, both sides reiterated their commitment to working together on long-term plans aimed at promoting cricket across Saudi Arabia, where interest in the sport continues to grow rapidly among the country’s youth.
Mohsin Naqvi highlighted that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia share a unique bond rooted in cultural and religious ties, and cricket can now serve as a new bridge of friendship between the two nations. He stressed that joint cricket initiatives would be implemented through structured planning, with both boards and governmental bodies collaborating closely.
During the meeting, the PCB chairman praised Prince Abdulaziz’s leadership in steering the Kingdom toward becoming a global sports hub. The minister’s success in securing hosting rights for the AFC Asian Cup 2027, Asian Winter Games 2029, Asian Games 2034, and the FIFA World Cup 2034 reflects the unprecedented rise of Saudi Arabia’s sports diplomacy.
Naqvi said Pakistan sees immense potential for cricket in Saudi Arabia, particularly through investment in infrastructure, training facilities, and organized pathways for aspiring young cricketers. He noted that Pakistan is willing to extend technical expertise, coaching support, and institutional frameworks to help the Kingdom establish a sustainable cricket ecosystem.
The meeting also underscored the significance of youth development. Both sides agreed that bilateral tours, junior-level competitions, and exchange programmes would create meaningful opportunities for young players to learn, grow and connect through sport.
With relevant institutions on both sides expected to accelerate planning and coordination, the partnership aims not only to grow cricket but also to contribute to wider social development goals. As Vision 2030 continues to reshape Saudi Arabia’s engagement with global sport, Pakistan is positioned to play a key role in shaping the Kingdom’s future cricketing journey.
